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PRINCETON,     N.     J. 


BX   8958    .H86    A5    1896 

The  Historical  memorial  of 
shtif. the  centennial  anniversary 


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THE    HISTORICAL    MEMORIAL 


OF    THE 


CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


OF    THE 


PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON 


HELD  IN   HUNTINGDON.  PA..  APRIL  9.  1895 


PUBLISHED    BY 

THE   AUTHORITY   OF   THE    PRESBYTERY 


1795—1895 


PHILADELPHIA 

PRINTED    BY   J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT   COMPANY 
I  896 


Copyright,  1896, 

BY 

The  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  Centennial  Anniversary  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  was 
held  in  Huntingdon,  Pennsylvania,  on  Tuesday,  April  9,  1895. 

It  was  the  unanimous  sentiment  of  the  Presbytery  that  the  Cen- 
tennial Sermon  and  addresses  of  the  occasion  should  be  published 
and  preserved  in  the  permanent  form  of  a  memorial  volume.  And  it 
was  decided  that  the  book  should  comprise  as  far  as  possible  a  com- 
plete and  reliable  history  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  during 
the  past  century. 

Such  a  volume  would  set  forth  the  history  of  the  rise  and  progress 
of  Presbytery  throughout  seven  counties  of  Central  Pennsylvania. 

It  would  preserve  in  permanent  form  historical  facts  and  data  of 
immense  value  to  future  generations  of  Presbyterians. 

It  would  afford  a  reliable  basis  for  future  history  when  our  suc- 
cessors in  1995  should  observe  the  Second  Centenary  of  the  Presbytery. 

The  work,  we  believe,  will  not  disappoint  the  expectation  of  our 
people.  It  will  be  of  great  and  permanent  value  to  Presbyterians.  It 
will  inspire  our  people  with  renewed  love  and  loyalty  for  their  church 
as  they  read  of  the  toils  and  trials  and  triumphs  of  the  Fathers, — 
those  heroic  and  devoted  men  who  laid  the  foundations  of  our  beloved 
Zion  in  these  mountainous  regions  a  century  ago. 

We  trust  that  the  work  will  accomplish  great  good,  and  may  God 
use  it  for  his  own  glory. 

3 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

The  committee  of  publication  ventures  to  call  special  attention  to 
the  great  historical  value  of  the  exhaustive  index  which  has  been  pre- 
pared through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  J.  C.  Blair.  The  use  of  this  index 
will  enable  the  descendants  of  the  founders  of  Presbyterianism  in 
Central  Pennsylvania  to  avail  themselves  of  the  vast  fund  of  genea- 
logical information  contained  in  this  volume,  and  makes  immediately 
available  the  treasures  of  local  history  which  the  sketches  of  individual 
churches  contain. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


Programme.     The  Public  Exercises  connected  with 
of  the  Huntingdon  Presbyter)-: 

1.  Prayer    

2.  Centennial  Sermon 

3.  Prayer    

4.  Fragments  that  Remain 

5.  The  Sources  of  Presbyterianism  in  Hunt- 

ingdon Presbytery    

6.  The  Bench  and  Bar  during  the  Past  Cen- 

tury, as  viewed  from  the  Presbyterian 
Stand-point 

7.  Prayer    

8.  The  Debt  and  Duty  of  Presbyterians    .    . 

9.  The  Outlook 

10.  Presbyterian  Influence 

11.  Centennial  Hymn 

12.  Prayer 


the  Centennial  Anniversary 

Rev.  D.  H.  Barron,  D.D. 
Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers,  D.D. 
Rev.  A.  H.  Parker  .  .  . 
Rev.  Joseph  C.  Kelly     . 

D.  W.  Woods,  Esq.     .    . 


PAGE 
.  15 
.       16 

•  39 

•  40 

.    64 


Hon.  A.  S.  Landis  ....  71 

Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace,  D.D.  84 

Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.D.  85 

General  James  A.  Beaver  .  90 

Hon.  John  Scott 98 

Rev.  D.  K.  Freeman,  D.D.  103 

Rev.  R.  F.  Wilson  .    .    .    .  104 


II.  Historical  Sketches  of  the  following  Churches: 


Alexandria lOS 

Altoona,  First 108 

Altoona,  Second 1 10 

Altoona,  Third 117 

Altoona,  Broad  Avenue     ...  119 

Bald  Eagle 122 

Bedford 124 

Bellefonte 125 

Bethel 13° 

Beulah 130 

Birmingham 131 

Bradford 139 

Buffalo  Run 140 

Clearfield 142 

Coalport 14^ 

Curwensville 145 

Duncansville 147 

East  Kishacoquillas 147 

Everett I55 

Fruit  Hill 156 


Gibson  Memorial 158 

Glen  Hope 159 

Hollidaysburg 159 

Houlzdale 165 

Hublersburg 167 

Huntingdon >68 

Hyndman '74 

Irvona 174 

Juniata '75 

Kermoor 177 

Kylertown 178 

Lewistown 179 

Lick  Run 183 

Little  Valley 1S5 

Logan's  Valley 193 

Lost  Creek 196 

Lower  Spruce  Creek 199 

Lower  Tuscarora 200 

McVeytown 203 

M.idera 210. 


TABLE   OF  CONTENTS. 

PACE    I  FACE 

Mann's  Choice 210      Shade  Gap 240 


Mapleton 21 1 

Middle  Tuscarora 214 

Milesburg 215 

Milroy 216 

Moshannon  and  Snow  Shoe  .    .  220 

Mount  Union 221 

Newton  Hamilton 225 


Shaver's  Creek 24S 

Shirleysburg 249 

Sinking  Creek 250 

Sinking  Valley 261 

Spring  Creek 250 

Spring  Mills 264 

Spruce  Creek 264 


Orbisonia 228      State  College 270 

Osceola 229  '  Tyrone 272 

Peru  Mills 230  |  Upper  Tuscarora 2S0 

Petersburg 232  '  Waterside 282 

Philipsbnrg 232      West  Kishacoquillas 282 

Pine  Grove 234      Westminster 287 

Port  Royal 235      Williamsburg 290 

Robensdale 237      Winbum 294 

Saxton      . .  239  \   Woodland 295 

Schellsburg 239      Yellow  Creek 295 

PACE 

III.  History   of   the   Sunday-Schools    of   the    Presbytery.      Rev.    D.    H. 

Campbell 299 

IV.  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Work  of  the  Presbytery  for  One  Hun- 

l)RED  Years.     Miss  Catherine  W.  Stewart 330 

V.  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery.    Mrs. 

N.  D   Orbison 333 

VI.  Woman's  Home  Missionary  Society  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  339 

VII.  WoMA-N's    Home   Missionary   Work  of  the   Presb\tery   for  One  Hun- 
dred Years.     Mrs.  Julia  A.  Dorris 340 

VIII.  Historical    Sketch    of    the    Young    People's    Work.      Rev.     H.    G. 

Fnrbay,  Ph.D. 362 

IX.  Growth  and  DEVELOPMFjrr  of  Young  People's  Work.     Tabulated  by  Rev. 

H.  G.  Furbay,  Ph.D 366 

X.  A  List  of  all  Ministers   for  the  Century;   when  licensed,  ordained, 

received.  Time  of  Service,  etc     Rev.  R.  F.  Wilson,  Stated  Clerk  .    .    368 

XI.  List  of  Stated  Clerks    for    same   Period,  and  Time  of  Service   for 

One  Hundred  Years.     Rev.  R.  F.  Wilson,  Staled  Clerk 380 

Index 381 


INDEX   TO    ILLUSTRATIONS. 


OPPOSITE 
PAGE 

Alexandria  Church 107 

Allison,  Rev.  Matthew,  D.D 287 

Altoona,  Second  Church 113 

Altoona,  Third  Church 117 

Bain,  Rev.  John  W 109 

Barnard,  Rev.  Jos.  H 125 

Barnard,  Rev.  J.  H.,  D.D 273 

Barr,  Rev.  John  C 251 

Barr,  Samuel  W 277 

Barron,  Rev.  David  H.,  D.D II 

Beaver,  General  James  A.,  LL.D.  ...  12 

Bell,  General  Wm 289 

Bellefonte  Chapel 129 

Bellefonte  Church 127 

Birmingham  Church 133 

Blair,  Samuel  S 277 

Brown,  Rev.  Matthew,  D.D 287 

Brown,  Samuel  T 171 

Campbell,  Rev.  D.  H 221 

Campbell,  Rev.  Howard  N 119 

Campbell,  J.  M Ill 

Campbell,  Rev.  R.  M 17 

Clarke,  Rev.  A.  B 109 

Clarke,  John 291 

Clarke,  Rev.  John  H 273 

Clarke,  Rowan,  M.D 277 

Clearfield  Church 142 

Coale,  Rev.  J.  J 261 

Cornelius,  Rev.  M.  N 109 

Craighead,  Rev.  David  Elder I44 

Crawford,  John  A 261 

Curwensville  Church 147 

Curwensville  Manse 146 

Davies,  Rev.  John.  R.,  D.D 273 

Decker,  Rev.  Wm.  Harrison 221 

Diener,  Rev.  John  F 105 

Dorris,  William 171 


OPPOSITE 
PAGE 

Dyer,  William  N 144 

Elliot,  Rev.  Geo 233 

Ellsworth,  J.  F 291 

Freeman,  Rev.  D.  K.,  D.D 169 

Furbay,  Rev.  Harvey  Gr^me,  Ph.D.     .  273 

Gemmill,  Rev.  Wm 167 

Gibb,  Rev.  William 175 

Goheen,  J.  Calvin 277 

Goodhart,  Geo.  L 255 

Grier,  L.  G.,  Ph.D 135 

Graninger,  Henry  M 289 

Haley,  James 175 

Hamill,  Rev.  Robt.,  D.D 251 

Hart's  Log  Token 61 

Hartswick,  Dr.  J.  G 143 

Hawes,  Rev.  Lowman  P 169 

Hays,  Rev.  Loyal  Y 287 

Henry,  Rev.  H.  H 135 

Hills,  A.  M.,  D.D.S 143 

Hollidaysburg  Church 161 

Hollifield,  Rev.  A.  N.,  D.D 169 

Houtzdale  Church 165 

Huntingdon  Church  (present  building)  .  170 

"                 "       (first  building)    .    .  173 

"                 "       (second  building)  .  173 

Huntingdon  Presbytery Title 

Hutchinson,  Rev.  John,  D.D 287 

Irvin,  Colonel  E.  A 144 

Irvine,  Rev.  J.  E 119 

Irvona  Church  and  Manse 174 

Johnson,  Rev.  John 169 

Johnston,  Robert  M 175 

Kelly,  Rev.  Joseph  C 291 

Kerns,  Henry 144 

Kerr,  William 255 

Kishacoquillas,  East  Church 149 

Kumler,  Rev.  J.  P.  E.,  D.D 11 

7 


8 


INDEX  TO  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


OPPOSITE    ! 
PACK 

Landis,  Hon.  A.  S .      12 

Laurie,  Rev.  Wm.,  D.D 125 

Lewey,  Rev.  Emil 119 

Lewistowii  Church iSl 

Lick  Run  Church 1S3 

Lindley,  A.  T Ill 

Linn,  Rev.  James,  D.D 125  ■ 

Logan's  Valley  Church  (Bellwood)    .    .  I9S  ' 

"        (Tipton)    ...  197 

Lender,  J.  G 261   I 

Lowrie,  J.  R 13S  ' 

McAle%7,  Geo.  M 171 

McCamant,  Colonel  Samuel 277  , 

McCarthy,  C.  R 17' 

McCarthy,  W.  B 171 

McCauley,  H.  K iii  ' 

McClean,  Rev.  O.  O.,  D.D 169 

McCorraick,  Wra 29I 

McDonald,  Rev.  Noah  A.,  D.D.    ...  105 

McEwen,  E 175 

McGinnes,  Rev.  J.  V 247 

McKinley,  Rev.  R.  A.,  Ph.D.,  D.D.     .  143 

McVeytown  Church 205 

McVeytown  Manse 207 

MacDonald,  Rev.  J.  A 167 

Mann,  C.  J Ill 

Martin,  Geo.  H 289 

Mateer,  Rev.  E.  H 221 

Mathers,  Rev.  Joseph  H.,  D.D 17 

Means,  Rev.  H.  F 233 

Milesburg  Church  and  Manse 217 

Milligan,  Wm 255 

Milnwood  Academy  Buildings    ....  247 

Moore,  Rev.  Samuel  M 273 

Morrow,  John  H 261 

Moss,  J.  H 175 

Mutchmore,  Rev.  S.  A.,  D.D.,  LL.D.   .      1 1 

Orbison,  Wm.  P 171 

Parker,  Rev.  Andrew  H 221 

Pearce,  H.  D 175 

Peebles,  Rev.  John 169 

Porter,  John 233 

Potter,  Joshua 255 

Potter,  Joshua  T 255 

Pridciux,  Rev.  William 25 1 

Read,  John  A 144 


OPPOSITE 
PAGE 

Read,  Miles 143 

Read,  Thompson 143 

Reed,  Frank  B 143 

Roller,  James 291 

Ross,  W.  S.,  M.D lit 

Saxton  Church 239 

Scott,  Hon.  John 12 

Shade  Gap  Churches 245 

Shade  Gap  Church  plan 244 

Sieber,  J.  F 289 

Shannon, John   255 

Simpson,  J.  R 171 

Sinking  Creek  Churches 253 

Sinking  Valley  Church 263 

Spence,  James 144 

Spring  Creek  Church 257 

State  College  Church 271 

Stewart,  S.  C 135 

Stewart,  Rev.  W.  E 105 

Stiles,  Rev.  Henry  Howard Ill 

Templeton,  Chambers  0 277 

Thompson,  M.  W Ill 

Token  of  Charleston,  South   Carolina, 

Church 61 

Tuscarora  Church  and  Manse  (lower)    .  203 

Tuscarora  Churches  (middle) 215 

Tyrone  Church 275 

Tyrone  Manse 279 

Vantues,  Samuel 255 

Wallace,  Rev.  R.  M.,  D.D 17 

Warrior's  Maik  Chapel 133 

Weaver,  John  T 143 

Westminster  Church 28S 

Wiley,  Rev.  W.  T 125 

Williams,  Rev.  R.  G 105 

Williamsburg  Church 293 

Williamsburg  Manse 295 

Wilson,  George  W 289 

Wilson,  John  F 277 

Wilson,  Rev.  R.  F 17 

Woods,  D.  W 12 

Wright,  Rev.  W.  0 251 

Young,  Rev.  Sylvester  Wylie 261 

Voungman,  B.  C I43 

Zahniser,  Rev.  George  W 169 


WARRANT. 


The  following  is  the  record  of  the  Act  of  the  General  Assembly 
forming  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  1795  :  "  The  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States  in  America  having 
erected  such  of  the  members  of  the  Carlisle  Presbytery  as  were  situated 
north  of,  or  by  a  line  drawn  along  the  Juniata  River,  from  the  mouth 
up  to  the  Tuscarora  Mountain,  and  along  the  Tuscarora  to  the  head  of 
Path  Valley;  thence  westerly  to  the  eastern  boundarj'  of  the  Presbj^iery 
of  Redstone,  so  on  to  leave  the  congregation  of  Bedford  to  the  south, 
into  a  Presbj-tery  by  the  name  of  the  Presbjiiery  of  Huntingdon,  and 
appointed  their  first  meeting  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  April,  a.d.  1795, 
to  be  held  at  Mr.  Martin's  church  in  Penn's  Valley;  in  consequence 
of  this  Act  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  Presbyter)-  of  Huntingdon 
met  at  the  place  and  the  day  aforesaid." 

In  accordance  with  the  resolution  previously  adopted,  the  Presbyter)' 
of  Huntingdon,  April  9,  1895,  observed  the  Centennial  Anniversary  of 
this  organization.  These  exercises  were  of  such  nature,  historically, 
that  the  Presb)'ter)-  authorized  the  publication  of  a  memorial  volume, 
which  would  preserve  the  historical  and  other  addresses  of  this 
occasion. 

Rev.  Har\-ey  Graeme  Furbay,  Ph.D.,  Chairman,  Rev.  D.  K.  Free- 
man, D.D.,  Rev.  R.  F.  Wilson,  Editor,  Gen.  James  A.  Beaver,  and  Mr. 
J.  C.  Blair  were  appointed  a  committee  to  publish  this  book. 


Rev  5A.nvKmoR£..D.D.LL.'l>. 


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MOlJKRATOKS. 


HISTORICAL  MEMORIAL. 


PRELIMINARY  ACTION  TOUCHING  THE  CENTENNIAL 

It  may  be  well  to  note,  as  a  part  of  the  history,  the  action  of  the 
Presbytery  taken  in  advance  of  the  observance  of  the  Centennial. 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  of  the  Presbyter)-,  held  at  Bellvvood,  June 
1 2,  1894,  the  Revs.  David  H.  Barron,  D.D.,  George  Elliott,  and  Joseph  H. 
Mathers,  D.D.,  with  Elders  General  James  A.  Beaver  and  John  Clark, 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  consider  the  propriety  of  observing  in 
some  special  manner  the  Centennial  Anniversary  of  the  Organization  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  and  report  at  the  stated  October  meeting, 
1894. 

During  the  sessions  of  Presbyter)^  at  Reedsville,  October  3,  1894,  the 
Special  Committee  on  the  Centennial  of  Presbytery  reported  that  it  has 
carefully  considered  the  subject  committed  to  it,  and  recommends, — 

First. — That  the  One  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the  Organization 
of  the  Presbytery  be  observed  at  Huntingdon,  on  the  second  Tuesday 
(being  the  ninth  day)  of  April,  1895. 

Second. — That,  in  order  to  devote  the  entire  day  to  the  observance  of 
the  Anniversary,  Presbyterj'  suspend  a  standing  rule  in  regard  to  the 
spring  meeting,  and  convene  for  organization  and  preliminary  business 
on  Monday  evening  next  preceding  the  second  Tuesday  of  April,  1895 
(being  the  eighth  day  of  the  month),  at  7.30  p.m. 

Third. — That  the  Rev.  D.  H.  Barron,  D.D.,  preside  at  the  celebration. 

Fourth. — That  the  Rev.  Robert  Hamill,  D.D.,  be  invited  to  deliver  a 
Centennial  historical  sermon  in  the  morning  at  ten  o'clock  ;  that  the  Rev. 
J.  C.  Kelly  be  invited  to  deliver  an  address  upon  "  Local  History'  and 
Biography" ;  that  the  Rev.  George  Elliott  be  invited  to  deliver  an 
address  upon"  Personal  Reminiscences  of  the  Churches  and  Members  of 
the  Presbytery" ;  that  David  W.  Woods,  Sr.,  Esq.,  be  invited  to  deliver 
an  address  upon  "The  Sources  of  Presbyterianism  in  Huntingdon  Pres- 

II 


12  THE  CENTENXIAL  AXXIVERSARY 

byten" ;  and  that  the  Hon.  John  Scott,  formerly  of  Huntingdon,  be 
invited  to  deliver  an  address  upon  "  The  Influence  of  Presbyterianism 
in  Central  Pennsylvania";  and  that  after  each  of  the  last- mentioned  four 
addresses  opportunity  be  given  for  voluntary  remarks  by  the  members 
of  Presbyter)-  and  visitors  upon  the  subject-matter  of  the  addresses. 

Fifth. — That  if  the  day  be  not  entirely  consumed  with  the  programme 
hereinbefore  outlined,  that  the  evening  be  devoted  to  a  popular  meeting, 
the  main  topic  for  which  shall  be  "  The  Work  of  the  Presbj-tery  and  the 
Outlook  for  the  Future." 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted.  James  A.  Beaver,  Secretary; 
D.  H.  Barron,  Chairman.  ^ 

The  report  was  accepted  and  adopted. 

The  Committee  was  continued,  with  authority  to  fill  any  appoint- 
ments which  might  be  declined  and  to  add  the  names  of  others  to  lead 
in  prayer  and  make  addresses. 

Dr.  Hamill  having  declined  to  fill  his  appointment  on  account  of 
impaired  health,  the  Committee  appointed  the  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Mathers, 
D.D.,  in  his  place.  They  appointed  the  Hon.  Augustus  S.  Landis  to 
make  an  address  on  "  The  Bench  and  Bar  During  the  Past  Centur\'  as 
Viewed  from  the  Presbyterian  Stand-point."  The  Committee  also  ar-^-anged 
for  addresses  at  the  evening  session,  by  Rev.  Samuel  A.  Mutchmore, 
D.D.,  LL.D.,  Moderator  of  the  General  Assembly ;  by  Rev.  J.  P.  E. 
Kumler,  D.D.,  Moderator  of  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania ;  and  by  General 
James  A.  Beaver. 

The  Rev.  George  Elliott,  who  had  been  appointed  to  make  an  address, 
died  March  15,  1895. 

When  Presbytery  had  convened  at  Huntingdon,  Pennsylvania,  on 
the  9th  daj'  of  April,  1895,  and  were  now  ready  at  10  o'clock  .\.m.  to 
proceed  with  the  Centennial  e.xercises,  the  Special  Committee  reported  a 
completed  order  of  services,  which  was  accepted  and  adopted.  The 
Moderator  of  Presbyter)-,  Rev.  Dr.  D.  H.  Barron  (in  the  thirt>'-fourth 
year  of  his  pastorate  in  the  church  of  Hollidaysburg),  presided. 

The  doxolog)',  "  Praise  God,  from  whom  all  blessings  flow,"  etc.,  was 
sung. 

The  invocation  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Sylvester  S.  Bergen,  the  last 
Moderator. 

Hymn  435,  "  Dundee,"  "  Our  God,  our  help  in  ages  past,"  etc.,  was 
sung. 

Scripture  selections  from  the   first,  second,  and    third   chapters  of 


RULING  ELDHRS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 3 

Ephesians  and  of  the  twenty-third  Psalm  were  read  by  the  Rev.  David 
K.  Freeman,  D.D. 

The  IModerator,  Dr.  Barron,  led  in  prayer  (see  page  15),  after  which 
Hymn  4,  "  Old  Hundred,"  "  All  people  that  on  earth  do  dwell,"  etc.,  was 
sung. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Hutchison  Mathers,  D.D.,  then  deli\-ered  the  Cen- 
tennial Sermon  from  Deuteronomy  iv.  32, — "  For  ask  now  of  the  days 
that  are  past"  (see  page  16), — after  which  the  Rev.  Richard  Morrow 
Campbell  led  in  praj^er. 

Hymn  32,  "  Coronation,"  "All  hail  the  power  of  Jesus's  name,"  etc., 
was  sung. 

In  the  temporary  absence  of  Rev.  John  W.  Bain,  who  had  been 
appointed,  the  benediction  was  pronounced  by  the  Moderator. 

Presbyteiy  took  a  recess  till  2  p.m. 

After  recess.  Presbytery  met  at  2  p.m. 

Hymn  575,  "  Shirland,"  "  I  love  thy  kingdom.  Lord,"  etc.,  was  sung, 
when  the  Rev.  Andrew  H.  Parker  led  in  prayer  (see  page  39),  after 
which  the  Rev.  Joseph  C.  Kelly  delivered  an  address  on  "  Fragments 
that  Remain"  (see  page  40). 

Hymn  569,  "  Arcadia,"  "  Where  are  kings  and  empires  now,"  etc., 
was  sung. 

David  Walker  Woods,  Esq.,  delivered  an  address  on  "  The  Sources 
of  Presbyterianism  in  Huntingdon  Presbytery"  (see  page  64),  after  which 
Hymn  830,  "America,"  "  God  bless  our  native  land,"  etc.,  was  sung. 

The  Hon.  Augustus  S.  Landis  made  an  address  on  "  The  Bench  and 
Bar  During  the  Past  Century,  as  Viewed  from  the  Presbjterian  Stand- 
point" (see  page  71). 

Hymn  790,  "  Auld  Lang  Syne,"  "  Jerusalem,  my  happy  home,"  etc., 
led  by  the  Rev.  H.  Howard  Stiles,  as  Precentor,  was  sung. 

A  recess  till  7  p.m.  was  taken. 

The  Centennial  exercises  were  resumed.  In  the  absence  of  the 
Moderator,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers,  D.D.,  presided. 

After  a  voluntary  by  the  choir.  Hymn  373,  "  Dundee,"  "  Let  children 
hear  the  mighty  deeds,"  etc.,  was  sung.  Prayer  was  offered  by  the  Rev. 
Robert  M.  Wallace,  D.D.  (see  page  84).  Then  Hymn  884,  "  Rocking- 
ham," "  O  God !  beneath  Thy  guiding  hand,"  etc.,  was  sung. 

Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.D.,  Moderator  of  the  Synod  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, made  an  address  on  "  The  Debt  and  Duty  of  Presbyterians"  (see 
page  85). 


14  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Hymn  951,  "  Webb,"  "  Stand  up,  stand  up  for  Jesus,"  etc.,  was  sung. 

Following  this  the  Rev.  Samuel  A.  Mutchmoie,  D.D.,  LL.D., 
Moderator  of  the  General  Assembly,  delivered  an  address  on  "  The 
Oddities  and  Sublimities  of  Presbyterians." 

Hymn  65 1 ,  "  Middleton,"  "  Glorious  things  of  Thee  are  spoken,"  etc., 
was  sung. 

General  James  A.  Beaver,  late  Go\'ernor  of  Pennsylvania,  addressed 
the  Presbj'tery  on  "  The  Outlook"  (see  page  90). 

Hymn  i.  "  Lyons,"  "  Ye  scrv-ants  of  God  !  your  Master  proclaim," 
etc.,  was  sung. 

The  next  address  was  by  Hon.  John  Scott,  of  Philadelphia,  but 
formerly  of  Huntingdon,  on  "  Presbyterian  Influence"  (see  page  98). 

A  Centennial  hymn,  written  by  Rev.  Dr.  Freeman,  was  sung  (see  page 
103),  after  which  the  Rev.  S.  S.  Gilson,  D.D.,  an  editor  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Banner,  of  Pittsburg,  made  a  brief  closing  address.  Rev. 
Robert  F.  Wilson,  in  the  absence  of  Rev.  Robert  Hamill,  D.D.,  offered 
the  concluding  prayer  (see  page  104). 

Hymn  597,  "  Dennis,"  "  Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds,"  etc.,  was  sung. 

Presbytery  adjourned  till  9  a.m.  to-morrow. 

The  benediction  was  pronounced  by  the  Rev.  James  P.  Hughes,  in 
the  absence  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  Prideaux,  who  had  been  named  in  the 
programme. 

These  commemorative  ceremonies  were  deeply  interesting  to  all  who 
attended  upon  them,  and  doubtless  the  coming  generations  who  may 
read  the  record  of  this  anniversary  will  heartily  thank  the  Presbytery 
for  this  information.  Verily,  God  has  led  the  Presbytery  in  paths  very 
pleasant,  and  crowned  its  labors  with  large  success. 

Robert  F.  Wilson,  S.  C. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 5 

PRAYER. 
REV.  D.  H.  BARROX,  D.D. 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  thou  art  our  God,  and  we  will  praise 
thee.     Thou  art  our  fathers'  God,  and  we  will  exalt  thee. 

We  adore  thee  as  the  God  of  the  Bible  and  of  the  church  and  of 
the  Covenant  and  of  the  promises,  the  God  of  thy  people  and  of  their 
children,  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  our  Father 
in  him. 

We  come  to  praise  thee  for  thy  goodness  and  for  thy  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men. 

We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  chosen  a  people  for  thyself,  and  hast 
established  thy  church  upon  the  earth.  We  thank  thee  for  the  Bible 
and  the  Sabbath  and  the  living  ministry,  for  the  ordinances  of  thy  house, 
for  all  the  means  of  grace,  and  for  the  hope  of  eternal  life. 

We  thank  thee  for  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son  and  Saviour,  Head  of  the 
church  and  Head  over  all  things  to  the  church,  and  for  all  the  mani- 
festations of  thy  love  and  grace  and  power  in  him ;  for  all  that  comes 
to  us  in  thy  grace,  through  his  perfect  life,  his  atoning  death,  his  glorious 
resurrection,  and  his  ever-living  intercession. 

We  praise  thee,  O  God,  for  thy  divine  care  of  thy  church  through 
all  the  ages  to  this  day ;  that  in  the  midst  of  all  perils  and  against  all 
foes  thou  hast  so  mercifully  and  mightily  preserved  her,  hast  so  added 
to  her  members,  and  so  extended  her  influence  among  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  according  to  thy  eternal  purpose  and  thy  covenant  promise. 

We  thank  thee  for  this  Presbytery ;  for  its  organization  by  thy  ser- 
vants a  hundred  years  ago,  and  for  its  preservation  and  enlargement 
through  all  the  years  to  this  day. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  faith  and  courage  and  hope  of  our  fathers,  in 
bringing  the  gospel  to  this  region  and  planting  thy  church  in  these 
valleys  in  the  face  of  trials  and  hardships  and  perils.  We  bless  thee 
this  day  for  all  that  thou  hast  enabled  this  Presbyter}-  to  do  in  the  cen- 
tury- that  has  passed,  in  holding  fast  thy  word,  in  maintaining  the  ordi- 
nances of  thy  house,  in  the  work  of  Christian  education  and  of  Christian 
missions,  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
It  is  all  of  thy  sovereign  grace  and  almighty  power,  and  we  give  to  thee 
this  day  the  praise  and  the  glory. 

We  thank  thee,  our  Father,  that  thou  hast  brought  us  here  to-day 


1 6  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

to  review  and  record  thy  dealings  with  thy  church  in  the  past,  and  to 
praise  thee  for  thy  goodness  to  us  now.  Make  us  humble  and  thankful 
in  the  goodly  heritage  we  now  enjoy,  in  the  blessings  that  have  come 
down  to  us  in  thy  grace  through  the  toils  and  trials  of  our  fathers. 
And  from  the  record  of  the  past  help  us  to  learn  lessons  of  faith  and 
courage  and  fidelity  in  the  places  where  thou  hast  put  us,  and  in  the 
work  thou  hast  given  us  to  do. 

Help  us  in  all  faithfulness  to  make  known  to  our  children  the  truths 
of  thy  word  and  the  blessings  of  thy  grace,  that  the  generation  to  come 
may  know  them,  even  the  children  who  shall  be  born,  that  they  may 
arise  and  declare  them  to  their  children,  that  they  may  set  their  hope  in 
God  and  not  forget  the  works  of  God,  but  keep  his  commandments. 

Bless  those  who  shall  speak  to  us  this  day  of  thy  doings,  and  bless 
us  all  with  thy  pardon  and  peace  and  grace. 

All  these  blessings  we  ask  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  our  merciful  and 
faithful  High  Priest,  who  has  taught  us  to  pray  and  to  say.  Our  Father  who 
art  in  heaven.  Hallowed  be  thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will 
be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 
And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 


CENTENNIAL   SERMON. 
REV.  JOSEPH    H.    MATHERS,  D.D. 
"  For  ask  now  of  the  days  that  are  past." — Deut.  iv.  32. 

It  is  profitable  to  turn  our  thoughts  to  the  past  in  quest  of  knowledge 
as  to  the  Lord's  dealing  with  his  people.  There  are  contrasts  to  be 
noted  that  marvellously  illustrate  his  mercy.  The  Great  Lawgiver  be- 
sought Israel  to  consider  the  gracious  dealing  of  the  Covenant  God  with 
them  that  their  gratitude  might  be  awakened,  their  obedience  established, 
and  their  future  illumined  by  his  grace.  The  offices  of  history  arc  help- 
ful in  stimulating  the  languishing  graces  and  in  awakening  the  pro- 
foundest  emotions  of  gratitude.  It  embodies  in  the  most  simple  form 
the  goodness  of  the  Lord.  It  awakens  the  gratitude  and  stimulates  the 
soul  to  increased  effort  to  secure  the  blessings  of  the  Covenant.     We 


PASTORS. 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 7 

are  assembled  to-day  to  consider  his  gracious  dealing  with  the  fathers 
and  ourselves,  to  note  the  progress  of  his  church,  and  to  seek  inspira- 
tion from  the  past  for  the  service  that  lies  before  us  and  our  children. 

About  the  time  that  negotiations  were  in  progress  for  the  union  of 
the  New  Side  Synod  of  New  York  and  the  Old  Side  Synod  of  Philadel- 
phia, the  region  now  covered  by  the  Presbyten,-  of  Huntingdon  was 
being  occupied  by  venturesome  pioneers,  who  had  crossed  the  North  or 
Kittatinny  and  Tuscarora  Mountains  to  possess  the  fruitful  valleys  of  the 
Juniata.  But  whilst  the  Presbyterians  were  smoking  the  pipe  of  peace 
in  their  council  chambers  the  merciless  savage  was  decimating  the  scat- 
tered inhabitants  and  filling  the  homes  of  survivors  with  consternation. 
The  early  settlers  had  taken  their  lives  in  their  hands  in  adventuring  into 
the  wilderness ;  but  they  were  building  wiser  than  they  knew,  and  the 
fruitful  fields  and  prosperous  towns  and  growing  cities  attest  the  grandeur 
of  their  achievements.  Their  lowly  cabins  long  ago  gave  way  to  modern 
structures  ;  their  humble  sanctuaries  to  stately  temples,  where  the  chil- 
dren of  the  fourth  and  fifth  generations  gather  for  the  worship  of  the 
Covenant  God.  The  weary  watching  for  more  prosperous  days  had  an 
ending,  and  the  waste,  howling  wilderness  had  become  as  the  garden  of 
the  Lord. 

It  was  not  strange  that  a  people  who  had  been  reared  in  homes  where 
God's  word  was  honored,  and  where  religious  fer\'or  and  devotion  con- 
stituted the  moral  atmosphere,  should  remember  the  Covenant  in  the 
isolation  of  the  wilderness,  and  should  desire  that  the  institutions  under 
which  they  had  prospered  in  the  home  land  should  be  established  in 
their  new  abodes.  They  welcomed  the  minister  of  the  gospel  who,  in 
his  love  for  Christ  and  his  people,  followed  into  the  depths  of  the  forest 
that  he  might  break  the  bread  of  life  to  the  imperilled  people.  The  soli- 
tude of  the  forest  may  not  have  been  unfriendly  to  the  cultivation  of  re- 
ligious sentiment  and  character;  further  sustained  as  such  influences 
must  have  been  by  the  nearness  of  possible  disaster  and  a  violent  death. 
But  it  is  more  probable  that  the  early  training  in  Christian  homes  had 
made  the  ordinances  of  religion  precious  in  their  sight ;  and  into  their 
new  homes  they  brought  the  hopes  and  practices  of  their  religious  faith. 

When  the   rude   cabin  was  reared  to  shelter  their  households,  the 
church  building  of  like  humble  construction  was  erected,  and  their  "  sup- 
plications" sent  to  the  distant  Presbytery  for  "  supplies,"  that  the  bread 
of  life  might  be  broken  to  them  and  to  their  children. 
.     It  was  perhaps  not  so  much  an  incident  in  the  country's  historj'  as  a 


l8  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

cunning  policy  that  placed  a  wall  of  defence,  against  the  incursions  of 
the  treacherous  savage,  around  tlie  settlements  in  the  southeastern  por- 
tions of  the  province,  in  the  persons  of  the  stalwart  Scotch-Irish  pioneers. 
It  was  an  easy  matter  to  entertain  non-resistant  and  peace-loving  senti- 
ments with  a  strong  cordon  of  protection  in  these  frontier  settlements. 
There  was  no  exposure  to  the  merciless  tomahawk  and  scalping-knife  of 
the  wily  savage,  and  gushing  sympathy  for  the  red  man  was  not  out  of 
harmony  with  the  peaceful  conditions,  secured  at  the  expense  of  the 
safety  and  lives  of  these  venturesome  men. 

It  is  with  the  Scotch-Irish  element  that  we  have  mostly  to  deal, 
though  Germany  contributed  many  true  and  worthy  colonists,  whose 
frugality  and  patience  have  served  largely  to  develop  the  vast  resources 
of  this  central  region.  From  Scotland  and  the  north  of  Ireland  the 
majority  of  the  early  settlers  in  the  region  now  covered  by  our  Presby- 
tery originally  came.  Many  of  them  tarried  in  the  Cumberland  Valley 
for  a  time,  and  helped  to  guarantee  its  development  and  prosperity ;  and 
then  plunging  deeper  into  the  wilderness,  they  founded  homes  for  them- 
selves and  their  children  amidst  the  primeval  forests.  It  was  not  long 
until  they  began  to  gather  for  divine  worship  in  their  rude  cabins  or 
under  the  protection  of  the  friendly  forest  tree  ;  for  the  minister  of  the 
gospel  was  not  long  in  finding  out  the  spiritual  destitutions  and  seeking 
to  supply  them.  Where  their  people  could  go  the  ministers  of  religion 
could  follow,  and  the  ordinances  of  God's  house  were  supplied. 

In  these  early  times  the  region  was  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Donegal.  The  name  is  suggestive  of  the  country  whence 
its  members  and  their  congregations  came.  It  was  pre-eminently  mis- 
sionary ground.  The  work  was  such  as  would  have  delighted  the  con- 
secrated heart  of  a  Paul ;  for  there  was  peril  in  ministering  to  such  a 
people,  not  indeed  from  furious  zealots  or  cultured  heathen  enraged  by 
seeming  assaults  upon  their  faith,  or  their  want  of  it,  but  from  the  chil- 
dren of  the  wilderness,  whose  hearts  were  as  hard  as  the  adamant  and 
their  spirit  as  fierce  as  that  of  the  wild  beasts  of  their  forests.  But  the 
Presbytery  did  not  seem  to  fully  appreciate  and  exhibit  the  spirit  ol 
charity  and  forbearance  which  their  more  eastern  brethren  were  specially 
cultivating.  Their  controversies  would  not  down  at  the  bidding  of 
synod  or  on  the  declaration  of  the  new  order  of  peace,  but  they  seemed 
to  rage  with  unabated  fury,  to  the  hinderance,  no  doubt,  of  Christ's  cause, 
and  to  the  neglect  of  the  feeble  congregations,  which  were  gathering  on 
the  frontier,  and  hungering  for  the  bread  of  life.     It  was  a  turbulent 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 9 

period  in  ecclesiastical  circles  as  it  was  also  in  the  outside  world.  Grave 
questions  of  seeming  importance  had  brought  schism  into  the  church, 
and  had  fostered  strife  and  animosity.  Amidst  this  confusion  the  church 
had  advanced  indeed,  but  more  slowly  than  it  would  have  done  under 
more  favorable  conditions.  The  remote  parts,  where  more  vital  issues 
engrossed  the  thought,  suffered  from  the  inattention  of  their  Presbytery. 
It  may,  however,  be  possible  that  the  scarcity  of  laborers  in  the  vine- 
yard of  the  Lord  and  the  utter  poverty  of  the  congregations  themselves 
may  have  occasioned  this  seeming  neglect  of  the  new  and  remote  settle- 
ments in  the  valley  of  the  Juniata. 

For  some  reason  the  members  of  the  congregations  of  Cedar  Spring 
and  Tuscarora  petitioned  the  United  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadel- 
phia to  place  them  under  the  jurisdiction  of  some  other  body  than  that 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal.  Their  request  was  not  granted ;  and 
possibly  all  occasion  for  such  request  vanished,  as  greater  harmony  pre- 
vailed in  the  Presbytery,  and  the  growing  work  absorbed  their  attention 
and  developed  their  Christian  enthusiasm  and  devotion. 

In  1763,  at  the  meeting  of  the  United  Synod  of  New  York  and 
Philadelphia,  a  request  from  the  "  Corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor  and 
distressed  Presbyterian  ministers"  was  presented,  to  the  effect  "  that 
some  missionaries  be  sent  to  preach  to  the  distressed  frontier  inhabitants 
and  to  report  their  distresses,  and  to  let  us  know  where  congregations  are 
a-forming,  and  what  is  necessary  to  be  done  to  spread  the  gospel  among 
them,  and  that  they  inform  us  what  opportunities  there  may  be  of  preach- 
ing the  gospel  to  the  Indian  nations  in  the  neighborhood."  At  the  same 
time  that  they  were  solicitous  about  the  distresses  of  the  white  inhabi- 
tants they  were  devising  measures  to  relieve  the  spiritual  hopelessness 
and  wretchedness  of  their  unpitying  foes. 

Nothing  seems  to  have  been  done  in  this  direction  by  the  Synod 
until  three  years  afterwards,  when  Revs.  Charles  Beatty  and  George  Duf- 
field  were  sent  upon  a  mission  to  the  inhabitants  on  the  Juniata  and  in 
the  regions  beyond.  They  performed  this  service  in  the  summer  of  the 
same  year  (1766),  and  preached  to  the  congregations  in  Tuscarora,  at 
Cedar  Spring,  at  Aughwick,  Bedford,  and  other  points,  continuing  their 
explorations  far  into  the  depths  of  the  western  wilds.  By  Indian  trail 
and  obscure  forest  path  these  devoted  men  pursued  their  solitary  way, 
hunting  up  the  scattered  sheep  in  the  vast  wilderness.  The  next  year 
they  reported  "that  they  found  on  the  frontiers  numbers  of  people  earn- 
estly desirous  of  forming  themselves  into  congregations,  and  declaring 


20  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

their  willingness  to  exert  their  utmost  in  order  to  have  the  gospel  among 
them,  but  in  circumstances  exceedingly  distressing  and  necessitous  from 
the  late  calamities  of  the  war  in  these  parts."  It  is  evident  that  no  per- 
manent relief  came  to  the  congregations,  as  it  was  after  this  visitation 
that  members  of  the  churches  of  Cedar  Spring  and  Tuscarora  petitioned 
to  be  detached  from  Donegal.  This  request  being  almost  unanimously 
declined,  the  congregations  in  all  this  region  were  dependent  for  the 
ministry  of  the  word  upon  it  until  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  its  imme- 
diate successor,  was  formed  in  1786. 

In  the  mean  time,  however,  the  struggle  for  colonial  independence 
had  taken  place.  The  inhabitants  of  this  region  were  not  insensible  to 
the  claims  of  their  country,  and  many  a  hardy  pioneer  hastened  to  the 
support  of  the  patriotic  cause.  The  demoralizing  effects  of  the  war  were 
doubtless  felt  in  all  these  parts  in  the  impoverishment  of  the  people, 
and  in  the  desolations  which  seem  to  necessarily  follow  upon  the  heels 
of  conflict.  An  occasional  allusion  is  made  in  the  records  of  the  Synod 
to  "  the  distracted  condition  of  public  affairs,"  and  for  three  years  in 
succession  during  this  period  not  a  single  member  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Donegal  appeared  at  its  meetings.  It  is  evident  that  the  distracted  con- 
dition of  the  country  interfered  greatly  with  the  work  of  the  church  in 
all  these  parts. 

After  peace  had  been  established  the  congregations  began  to  re- 
cuperate, and  progress  in  church  work  again  manifested  itself.  The  re- 
adjustment of  the  Presbyteries  led  to  the  formation  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Carlisle,  which  is  practically  the  old  Presbytery  under  a  new  name,  for 
the  new  body  was  ordered  to  meet  at  the  place  and  time  of  the  adjourn- 
ment of  the  old.  Under  the  care  of  this  organization  the  missionary 
region  on  the  Susquehanna  and  Juniata  Rivers  now  came,  and  hence- 
forth the  urgent  "  supplications"  for  supplies  are  addressed  thereto. 

A  number  of  pastors  had  before  this  time  been  placed  over  the 
churches,  and  finally,  when  the  time  came  for  a  further  division  of  the 
territory,  eleven  ministers  occupied  the  field  and  ministered  as  best  they 
could  to  the  widely  scattered  and  rapidly  increasing  congregations.  It 
was  a  notable  event  when  the  General  Assembly,  itself  but  recently  or- 
ganized, directed  that  all  the  ministers  and  congregations  occupying  the 
central  part  of  Pennsylvania,  and  now  comprised  within  the  limits  of 
fifteen  counties,  should  be  constituted  a  new  organization  to  be  called 
"The  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon."  This  order  was  made  in  May,  1794, 
and   on  the  .second  Tuesday  of  April,  179S,  it  was  carried  into  cxecu- 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  21 

tion,  and  from  that  time  until  this,  covering  the  space  of  a  hundred  years, 
this  organization  has  attempted  to  perform  the  work  committed  to  it. 
To  gather  up  some  of  the  facts,  and  to  recount  the  mercies  of  the  Cove- 
nant God  unto  our  fathers  and  to  ourselves,  is  the  object  of  our  assembling 
here  to-day. 

The  name  of  the  Presbytery  comes  to  us  from  the  town  and  county 
within  whose  limits  we  meet.  It  is  in  accordance  with  the  fitness  of 
things  that  we  are  assembled  here  on  this  auspicious  occasion.  It  is  a 
happy  coincidence  that  the  name  is  derived  from  that  illustrious  Christian 
woman,  the  Countess  of  Huntingdon,  the  friend  of  Whitefield.  Her 
devout  character  is  the  admiration  of  the  Christian  world.  Her  name  is 
associated  in  the  doctrinal  teachings  of  the  day  with  the  tenets  of  Calvin 
and  Knox.  It  is  becoming  that  such  a  name  should  indicate  the  doc- 
trinal tendencies  of  a  Presbytery  which  throughout  the  years  of  contro- 
versy and  of  defection  on  the  part  of  some  from  the  truth,  has  adhered 
to  the  standards  of  the  church,  has  maintained  with  unfaltering  devotion 
its  attachment  to  the  formulated  statements  which  the  fathers  accepted 
and  loved  and  taught.  This  does  not  mean  that  progress  is  resisted, 
and  old  forms  blindly  adhered  to,  merely  because  of  their  antiquity,  but 
it  means  fidelity  to  truth,  and  reverence  for  the  oracles  of  God,  placed 
in  their  custody.  In  every  direction  under  the  guidance  of  the  divine 
Spirit  these  teachings  have  wrought  blessing, — have  brought  spiritual 
enlightenment  and  material  prosperity  to  the  people.  The  land  has 
prospered  with  the  church's  growth.  The  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon, 
under  the  good  hand  of  God  upon  it,  has  been  a  notable  factor  in  the 
sum  of  prosperity,  which  has  crowned  the  people  of  the  central  portion 
of  our  beloved  Commonwealth. 

Under  the  direction  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  a  young  licentiate 
of  the  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  in  the  summer  of  1775  made  a 
missionary  tour  through  this  region,  supplying  the  vacant  churches.  He 
approached  the  town  of  Huntingdon  with  some  misgivings  as  to  the  re- 
ception which  might  be  extended  to  him.  After  carefully  adjusting  his 
garments  that  all  traces  of  his  calling  might  be  concealed,  he  boldly  en- 
tered the  town.  His  description  is  unique :  "  I  met  two  men  on  horse- 
back. As  they  passed  I  smelled  their  breaths.  It  was  strong  of  whiskey. 
By  this  token,  which  in  thicker-settled  places  you  would  scruple,  I  grew 
certain  I  was  near  the  town.  My  conjecture  was  right.  I  soon  after  en- 
tered Huntingdon."  Such  fragrant  indications  are  not,  I  am  confident, 
the  present  methods  of  determining  the  proximity  of  the  hospitable  town. 


22  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

The  young  missionary  found  no  church  established  here,  and  he  did  not 
tarry  over  tlie  Sabbatli  to  seek  tlie  scattered  sheep  or  offer  his  ministra- 
tions to  the  people.  It  is  a  painful  fact  that  the  author  of  this  sprightly 
diary  of  travel  never  became  an  ordained  minister.  The  death  of  Philip 
Vicars  Fithian  was  reported  to  the  S\'nod  two  }-ears  afterwards.  The 
consolation  which  he  offered  in  the  promises  of  the  gospel  to  a  dying 
stranger  at  Shirley  was  his  own  solace  as  he  passed  down  into  the  valley 
of  the  shadow  of  death. 

It  is  necessary  that  we  glance  at  the  ministers  and  some  of  the 
churches  which  by  the  act  of  the  Assembly  constituted  the  Presbytery. 
Possibly  the  oldest  man  was  Rev.  John  Hoge,  who  had  been  appointed 
to  preach  the  sermon.  He  had  been  forty  years,  at  least,  in  connection 
with  the  Synod,  and  must  have  been  superannuated  at  this  time.  He 
died  in  1807. 

The  Rev.  James  Martin,  in  whose  church  the  first  meeting  was  held, 
was  also  somewhat  advanced  in  years,  and  before  the  next  meeting  he 
had  passed  to  the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born,  which 
are  written  in  heaven.  Many  of  his  descendants  have  been  prominent  in 
church  and  business  circles  in  central  Pennsylvania  ever  since. 

Rev.  Hugh  Magill  was  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Cedar  Spring  and 
Lower  Tuscarora.  Because  of  increasing  infirmities  he  relinquished, 
very  soon  after  the  formation  of  the  Presbytery,  his  care  of  Lower 
Tuscarora,  and  a  few  years  thereafter  retired  from  the  active  work  of  the 
ministry.     He  died  in  1805. 

Rev.  James  Johnston  was  born  in  the  Cumberland  Valley  in  1754. 
He  served  for  a  time  as  a  hospital  steward  in  the  army  of  the  Revo- 
lution, intending  to  become  a  physician.  The  ministry  attracted  his 
attention,  and  he  was  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  and  in- 
stalled over  the  churches  of  Kishacoquillas  Valley  in  1784.  The  origi- 
nal call,  signed  by  the  entire  congregation,  is  in  the  hands  of  General  John 
P.  Taylor,  of  that  valley,  and  bears  date  of  March  15,  1783.  This  was 
his  only  charge.     The  good  man  died  in  January,  1820,  greatly  lamented. 

Rev.  John  Johnston,  for  many  years  the  pastor  of  the  church  whose 
hospitality  we  enjoy,  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  came  to  this  country 
about  ten  years  before  the  formation  of  the  Presbytery.  He  was  pastor 
of  the  churches  of  Hart's  Log  and  Huntingdon  for  the  third  of  a  century. 
He  was  a  man  of  great  force  of  character,  and  his  attainments  were  of  a 
high  order.  He  died  soon  after  resigning  his  pastoral  charge  at  the  age 
of  seventy-three. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  23 

Rev.  Matthew  Stephens  came  to  this  country  about  the  same  time 
that  Mr.  Johnston  did.  He  was  installed  over  the  church  of  Shaver's 
Creek.  According  to  the  tradition  concerning  him  he  was  a  man  of 
superior  ability,  but  unhappily  addicted  to  habits  that  greatly  impaired 
his  usefulness  and  clouded  his  life. 

Rev.  David  Bard  was  a  native  of  Virginia.  The  first  charge  which 
he  held  was  in  the  Great  Cove,  where  the  writer  spent  pleasant  years  as 
pastor  of  the  same  church.  At  different  times  thereafter  he  was  pastor 
of  the  churches  of  Bedford,  Frankstown  (now  HoUidaysburg),  and  Sink- 
ing Valley.  For  many  years  he  represented  his  district  in  Congress. 
His  attendance  upon  the  sessions  of  Presbytery  was  irregular  and  infre- 
quent. He  was  evidently  a  man  of  superior  force  of  character.  In  181 5 
he  passed  to  his  rest  whilst  on  his  return  home  from  service  in  the  halls 
of  Congress. 

Rev.  Hugh  Morrison  was  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Buffalo,  Sunbury, 
and  Northumberland  at  the  time  the  Presbytery  was  organized.  But 
little  is  known  of  his  ability  as  a  preacher,  or  his  character  as  a  man ; 
but  the  fact  that  he  continued  for  years  in  this  relation  indicates  that  he 
must  have  been  possessed  of  fair  natural  gifts,  and  at  least  respectable 
attainments.  His  pastoral  work  ended  in  1801,  and  his  death  occurred 
about  three  years  afterwards. 

The  Rev.  David  Wiley  was  one  of  the  original  members,  but  did  not 
long  remain  in  this  connection.  He  was  pastor  of  churches  in  Centre 
County  now  known  by  other  names.  Being  released  from  his  pastoral 
charge,  he  early  removed  from  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery,  and  passed 
his  later  years  in  teaching  near  the  capital  of  the  country. 

Another  of  the  fathers  was  the  Rev.  Isaac  Grier.  He  was  a  conspic- 
uous character  in  the  early  times,  possessing  an  excellent  education,  and 
being  eminently  successful  as  a  teacher  of  others.  One  of  his  sons 
became  a  distinguished  member  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States.     He  died  in  18 14. 

Rev.  John  Bryson  was  another  member  of  the  Presbytery,  and  one  of 
the  five  who  subsequently  constituted  the  new  Presbytery  of  Northum- 
berland. He  was  a  graduate  of  Dickinson  College  and  a  student  of 
theology  probably  under  Dr.  Cooper.  Six  churches  now  occupy  the 
field  in  which  his  faithful  work  was  done.  He  died  in  1855,  having 
attained  to  the  great  age  of  ninety-eight  years. 

As  will  be  seen,  the  original  members  of  this  Presbytery  were  men 
of  stable  character  and  considerable  learning,  well  fitted  by  natural  and 


24  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

acquired  abilities  to  lay  the  foundations.  It  would  occupy  too  much  of 
your  time  to  speak  in  detail  of  the  congregations  to  which  these  men 
ministered,  and  which  were  scattered  over  a  vast  region. 

At  the  ver)'  first  session  of  the  Presbytery  a  young  man  made  appli- 
cation to  be  received  as  a  candidate.  It  shows  that  the  pressing  needs 
of  this  region  for  ministers  to  preach  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ  were 
engaging  the  attention  of  the  fathers.  But  it  further  establishes  the  fact 
that  their  anxiety  for  an  increase  in  the  ranks  of  the  workers  did  not 
blind  them  to  the  importance  of  a  proper  fitness  on  the  part  of  those 
who  sought  the  sacred  office.  After  protracted  examinations  and  fre- 
quent trial  pieces,  the  young  man  withdrew  from  the  care  of  the  Presby- 
tery, possibly  discouraged  by  the  difficulties  interposed  at  the  entrance 
to  the  work.  His  name  does  not  reappear,  and  he  doubtless  sought 
some  other  calling,  or  turned  to  some  other  denomination,  whose  doors 
were  not  so  carefully  guarded  against  the  intrusion  of  incompetent 
teachers. 

Soon  thereafter  another  applicant  presented  himself,  and  it  is  a  note- 
worthy fact  that  the  first  successful  candidate  for  licensure  received  his 
authority  to  preach  at  a  meeting  of  the  Presbyterj'  held  at  this  place. 
The  church  with  which  it  met  at  that  time  had  been  in  existence  for 
about  seven  years,  and  was,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  without  a  house  of 
worship.  Services  were  held  in  the  court-house,  and  doubtless  the 
Presbytery  was  assembled  there  when  it  performed  its  first  official  act  in 
licensing  a  novice  to  preach  the  gospel.  The  temple  of  justice  sheltered 
the  servants  of  Christ  in  the  discharge  of  their  official  duties.  It  was  in 
accordance  with  a  true  spirit  of  reciprocity  that  the  courts  in  Juniata 
County  in  its  earliest  history  enjoyed  the  hospitality  of  the  congregation 
of  Mifflintown,  and  dispensed  justice  in  the  old  stone  church  where  the 
writer  worshipped  in  his  childhood,  and  where  his  maternal  grandfather 
preached  the  word  for  many  years. 

It  is  a  sad  commentary  on  the  weaknesses  and  infirmities  of  our  human 
nature  that  this  brother  subsequently  ordained  and  installed  in  a  pastoral 
charge  was  deposed  from  the  ministry.  The  drinking  habits  of  the  day 
doubtless  occasioned  his  downfall.  His  latter  )'ears,  it  is  said,  were 
brightened  by  a  deliverance  from  his  bondage,  and  we  may  hope  that  his 
life  went  out  in  peace. 

As  late  as  1809  the  Presbytery  petitioned  the  General  Assembly 
because  of  "  the  deplorable  situation  of  a  great  body  of  people  within 
their  bounds,"  and  because  of  "  the   fact  that  they  had   not  a  single 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  2$ 

licentiate  under  their  care,"  to  furnish  a  missionary  or  missionaries  to 
occupy  the  inviting  fields  within  their  bounds.  It  was  not  a  lack  of 
interest,  but  an  utter  inability,  that  prevented  them  suitably  prosecuting 
the  hopeful  work  which  opened  up  before  them  throughout  all  their 
borders.  "  Supplications"  for  supplies  were  sent  to  them  from  all  parts, 
and  in  some  cases  the  applicants  were  encouraged  to  address  their 
requests  to  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  because  of  their  utter  inability  to 
meet  these  demands.  It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  the  pastors  of  self- 
sustaining  churches  were  appointed  to  preach  as  often  as  possible  to  the 
growing  congregations  and  in  the  increasing  settlements  that  were  form- 
ing in  the  rich  valleys  and  amidst  the  mountain  districts  in  the  remote 
parts  of  the  Presbytery.  The  list  of  supplies  was  oftentimes  appalling, 
and  must  have  taxed  to  the  uttermost  the  ingenuity  of  the  committee 
appointed  to  bring  in  a  schedule. 

But  in  the  sketch  which  I  am  expected  to  prepare  it  is  perhaps  the 
better  plan  that  we  consider  the  development  of  the  Presbytery  in 
periods  of  considerable  extent.  In  this  way  we  may  note  the  progress 
and  may  sum  up  the  aggregates  of  a  century's  work, — a  century  the 
grandest  in  the  history  of  the  world.  It  may  not  contain  such  splendid 
manifestations  of  God's  visible  presence  as  the  times  which  Israel  was 
directed  to  contrast  with  "  the  days  that  are  past,"  but  in  the  progress  of 
truth,  in  the  advancement  of  the  race  in  civilization,  in  the  development 
in  every  department  of  human  activity,  the  like  has  not  been  seen.  The 
ver}^  elements  are  made  tributary'  to  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  man. 
The  lightning  leaps  to  do  his  bidding.  The  whole  earth  teems  with  new 
agencies  that  multiply  indefinitely  the  products  of  human  skill  and 
genius.  It  is  a  great  privilege  to  live  in  such  an  age  as  this, — to  be  eye- 
witnesses of  the  marvellous  progress  that  amazes  and  delights  the  human 
mind. 

"  We  are  living,  we  are  dwelling 
In  a  grand  and  awful  time, 
In  an  age  on  ages  telling 
To  be  living  is  sublime." 

The  history  of  this  Presbytery  is  coexistent  with  this  amazing  de- 
velopment, and  as  far  as  its  field  of  operations  extends,  it  has  contributed 
its  share  to  this  development.  It  has  set  influences  in  operation  which 
have  contributed  to  the  glorious  aggregate  which  excites  our  wonder- 
ment. The  rude  ways  which  the  fathers  opened  for  communication  and 
for  traffic  changed  into  macadamized  turnpikes  or  easier  water-ways,  and 


26  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

lastly  into  the  stately  railway  and  its  branches  o\er  which  the  products 
of  a  continent  are  carried.  Where  a  hundred  years  ago  the  fathers 
painfully  plodded  their  weary  way,  their  children's  children  ride  in  luxu- 
rious ease  with  the  swiftness  of  the  wind.  What  changes  has  the  revo- 
lution of  the  years  wrought !  What  marvellous  advance  have  the  coun- 
try and  the  world  made  in  these  hundred  years ! 

For  years  after  the  formation  of  the  Presb\tery  but  little  increase 
seemed  to  be  experienced.  Very  few  ministers  came  within  the  bounds, 
and  candidates  rarely  presented  themselves.  The  tide  of  emigration  to 
more  western  parts  may  partly  account  for  this,  and  the  prevalence  of 
French  ideas,  tinctured  by  the  sceptical  tendencies  of  that  people,  may 
have  largely  produced  this  paralysis  of  Christian  work.  And  yet  in 
some  parts  of  the  land  the  reaction  had  already  come ;  the  truth  in  its 
saving  power  was  laid  upon  the  consciences  and  hearts  of  the  people. 
The  life  of  the  church  was  deeply  stirred,  and  the  joy  of  salvation  suc- 
ceeded to  the  dismal  speculations  of  infidelity. 

In  i8i  I  the  Presbytery  of  Northumberland  was  formed  by  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia,  and  the  number  of  ministers  was  reduced  from  fourteen 
to  nine,  and  twelve  of  the  churches  were  apportioned  to  the  new  organi- 
zation, leaving  twenty-five  to  the  care  of  less  than  half  a  score  of  min- 
isters. For  the  first  time  the  number  of  communicants  was  reported  to 
the  General  Assembly  in  1807,  and  the  number  reported  as  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Presbytery  was  five  hundred  and  fifty-eight.  At  the  time 
of  the  formation  of  the  new  organization  it  had  increased  to  thirteen 
hundred  and  sixty-seven.  The  next  year  thereafter  it  diminished  to 
nine  hundred  and  twenty-eight,  and  from  that  time  to  the  present  the 
increase  will  pertain  to  the  Presbytery  as  now  constituted.  A  few 
changes  have  been  made  in  its  boundaries,  but  not  materially  afifecting 
its  extent.  A  part  of  what  is  now  Perry  County  was  restored  to  the 
Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  and  many  years  afterwards  the  churches  of  Bed- 
ford County  were  placed  under  its  care. 

At  the  end  of  the  first  half-century  of  the  Presbytery's  existence  the 
number  of  ministers  had  increased  to  twenty,  whilst  one  licentiate  was 
in  its  connection  and  seven  candidates  were  under  its  care.  Thirty-six 
churches  appeared  upon  its  roll,  and  five  thousand  one  hundred  and 
twenty-three  communicants  were  reported  to  the  Assembly.  The  con- 
tributions to  home  and  foreign  missions  amounted  to  thirteen  hundred 
and  thirty-seven  dollars,  and  to  education  five  hundred  and  seventy-two 
dollars,  whilst  one  other  object  was  presented  to  the  benevolence  of  the 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  2J 

churches.  This  was  a  day  of  small  things  as  far  as  benevolence  is  con- 
cerned, and  yet  it  indicates  decided  advance  in  the  beautiful  grace  of 
giving,  and  was  the  earnest  of  the  more  extended  benefactions  which 
have  rendered  the  period  in  which  we  live  conspicuous  for  its  benefi- 
cence. But  the  country  has  greatly  increased  in  wealth,  and  the  ability 
to  give  has  proportionately  enlarged ;  but  withal,  the  one  direction  in 
which  Christian  character  has  broadened  is  in  the  munificence  of  Chris- 
tian liberality. 

Half  a  centur\'  had  passed  since  the  Presbytery  had  been  formed, 
and  the  aggregate  seems  to  have  been  in  keeping  with  the  opportunities, 
which  had  been  offered  to  the  fathers.  But  the  point  at  which  the  more 
marvellous  advancement  of  the  century  begins  had  not  as  yet  been  fully 
reached.  The  border  line  of  modern  progress  was  only  in  fact  being 
approached  in  the  later  years,  and  that,  too,  under  conditions  which 
must  have  greatly  hindered  ecclesiastical  progress.  The  church  was 
rent  by  the  discordant  cries  of  factions.  Indeed,  division  was  actually 
accomplished,  and  for  more  than  a  third  of  a  centurj-  thereafter  the  great 
church  of  the  fathers  formed  two  bands.  It  was  a  humiliating  spectacle 
which  presented  itself  to  the  world  in  the  distracted  and  divided  condi- 
tion of  the  church.  But  the  fathers  were  earnest  men,  jealous  of  their 
supposed  personal  rights  on  the  one  hand,  and  of  doctrinal  integrity  and 
purity  on  the  other.  It  was  doubtless  a  wise  determination  which  sepa- 
rated the  one  from  the  other. 

But  the  division  does  not  form  an  era  in  the  historj'  of  our  Presbyter}'. 
Not  a  single  name  disappeared  from  its  roll,  nor  did  a  single  church  cast 
in  its  lot  with  the  minority.  In  fact,  the  Presbytery  was  only  incidentally 
affected  by  the  controversies  which  raged  without  its  limits.  Two  feeble 
churches  in  connection  with  the  New  School  body  were  subsequently 
formed  within  its  territory.  But  their  existence  contributed  in  no  re- 
spect to  any  change  in  the  polity,  or  any  diminution  of  the  authority  or 
influence  of  this  body.  The  division  of  the  church  as  far  as  the  effect 
directly  upon  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  is  concerned  was  unim- 
portant, and  the  same  may  be  affirmed  in  regard  to  the  union  accom- 
plished a  third  of  a  century  afterwards.  It  is  referred  to  only  inci- 
dentally, because  of  the  coincidence  of  its  occurrence  near  the  period 
selected  for  comparison. 

It  would  possibly  be  interesting  to  follow  in  detail  the  growth  of  the 
Presbytery  in  the  direction  of  its  ministers  and  congregations,  and  in  Its 
influence  upon  the  material  development  of  its  territory ;  but  this  would 


28  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

be  impracticable  in  the  time  allotted  for  this  exercise.  At  the  end  of 
half  a  century  we  find  that  notable  progress  has  been  made.  The  feeble 
bands  scattered  throughout  this  region  have  grown  into  strong  and  in- 
fluential churches.  Where  a  few  hundred  communicants  represented 
the  cause  of  the  Master,  as  many  thousands  rally  under  the  blue  banner 
of  our  Presbyterianism.  Churches  that  had  long  been  dependent  upon 
occasional  supplies  enjoyed  the  stated  ministry  of  the  word,  and  the 
rude  houses  of  worship  were  being  rapidly  succeeded  by  buildings  of 
architectural  beauty  and  modern  convenience.  In  1843  the  largest  ac- 
cession of  members  up  to  that  time  had  occurred,  and  relatively  the 
largest  in  a  single  year  that  the  Presbytery  has  ever  witnessed.  It  was 
a  time  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Most  High.  He  poured  out  his  Spirit 
upon  the  people,  and  the  result  was  indicated  by  an  ingathering  amount- 
ing to  more  than  twenty-five  per  cent,  of  its  entire  membership.  This 
was  a  time  of  general  refreshing  throughout  the  entire  church.  More 
than  four  hundred  congregations  participated  in  the  blessing,  and  a  new 
impulse  was  given  to  Christian  work.  This  is  the  more  interesting  as 
following  so  soon  upon  the  schism  which  rent  the  church  in  twain. 

By  the  time  the  semi-centennial  anniversary  was  reached  the  early 
fathers  had  all  passed  to  the  church  above,  and  the  young  men  upon 
whom  they  had  laid  their  hands  in  ordination  had  grown  feeble  from  the 
weight  of  years.  "  Your  fathers  !  where  are  they  ?  And  the  prophets  ! 
do  they  live  forever  ?"  But  as  the  fathers  disappear  from  the  scene  of 
their  labors  others  are  raised  up  to  take  their  places.  Whilst  the  Lord's 
workmen  die,  his  work  goes  grandly  on. 

The  last  half-century  of  the  Presbytery's  existence  has  witnessed  the 
most  extraordinary  progress  in  every  department  of  human  activity. 
The  church  has,  of  course,  been  affected  by  this  spirit  of  development, 
and  has  contributed  thereto.  It  has  not  been  by  the  teaching  of  new 
doctrines  or  by  the  presentation  of  novel  phases  of  old  truths.  The 
simple  doctrine  of  the  Cross  is  under  the  power  and  demonstration  of 
the  Spirit,  the  mighty  agency  for  the  uplifting  of  the  race.  Its  power 
extends  to  every  faculty  of  the  soul,  and  to  every  relationship  in  life. 
Its  quickening  force  inii)arts  newness  of  life,  awakens  hope,  and  stimu- 
lates to  the  utmost  every  spiritual  antl  moral  agency  in  the  worUl.  The 
church  participates  in  the  amazing  progress  of  our  land  in  every  direc- 
tion, and  is  an  important  factor  in  the  sum  of  that  progress.  Christian 
work  has  been  .systematized.  Every  possible  moral  and  spiritual  force 
is  being  happily  utilized.     A  most  distinctive  and  hopeful  aspect  of  that 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  29 

work  is  the  prominence  which  is  given  to  the  energ>'  and  enthusiasm  of 
the  young.  Whilst  we  may  deplore  the  lack  of  thorough  home  train- 
ing, the  failure  to  dignify  and  exalt  the  teaching  office  of  the  head  of 
the  family,  we  must  recognize  the  advancement  made  by  the  external 
organization  in  utilizing  the  reserved  force  of  the  church,  latent  in  the 
freshness  and  the  enthusiasm  and  the  faith  of  the  young.  The  con- 
serv^atism  of  the  fathers  is  superseded  by  a  sanctified  liberalism  that 
does  not  necessarily  sacrifice  doctrinal  integrity  or  scriptural  authority, 
and  yet  puts  in  operation  moral  forces  which  greatly  broaden  and  in- 
tensify the  church's  work.  The  young  Master  taught  the  venerable 
doctors  of  the  law  new  things,  and  furnished  the  grandest  object-lesson 
in  the  power  and  beauty  of  divine  truth  on  youthful  lips.  When  he  be- 
gan to  consolidate  and  direct  the  forces  to  be  put  in  operation  for  the 
introduction  of  the  new  economy,  he  rallied  about  him  a  band  of  men 
who  had  not  attained  to  middle  life,  and  constituted  them  the  messen- 
gers of  his  grace  to  a  dying  world.  The  children,  too,  were  recognized 
as  special  objects  of  his  solicitude  and  care,  and  their  cr>'  in  the  temple 
court,  '*  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David  !"  was  not  without  its  purpose. 
But  it  is  no  reflection  on  the  wisdom  of  the  fathers.  They  carefully 
furnished  the  young,  indoctrinated  them  from  their  childhood,  equipped 
them  by  thorough  training  in  the  truths  of  our  holy  religion  for  Chris- 
tian work,  and  then  strangely  failed  to  properly  utilize  the  ver>'  forces 
which  their  own  system  had  created.  With  such  an  equipment  as  the 
fathers  furnished,  the  youth  of  to-day  would  conquer  the  world  for 
Christ  in  the  lifetime  of  a  generation. 

The  first  half-century  of  the  Presbyter>^'s  existence  closed  with  the 
effects  of  the  graciqus  revival  visible  in  the  increased  number  of  com- 
municants, in  the  quickened  spiritual  life,  and  in  the  strengthened  con- 
gregations. Soon  thereafter  the  war  with  Mexico  occurred.  Its  influ- 
ence, we  would  infer,  would  be  inconsiderable  on  a  religious  organization 
remote  from  the  scene  of  conflict.  It  would  possibly  involve  particular 
households  in  grief,  as  their  loved  ones  perished  in  the  strife.  The  ven- 
erable Dr.  James  S.  Woods,  whose  kindness  to  a  young  licentiate  in  the 
long  ago  has  rendered  his  memory  to  him  fragrant  and  precious  through 
all  these  years,  carried  a  beloved  and  gifted  son — slain  in  battle — to  his 
burial  amidst  the  tearful  sympathy  of  thousands,  and  other  homes  were 
desolated  by  the  pitiless  exactions  of  war.  But  the  new  territory  which 
was  acquired  as  the  result  of  that  war,  the  finding  of  gold  in  California, 
the  construction  of  railways  in  the  remoter  parts  of  the  country,  all  con- 


30  THE    CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

tributed  to  greatly  change  the  condition  of  particular  churches.  The 
prevailing  spirit  of  restlessness  penetrated  our  quiet  valleys,  and  led  to 
the  emigration  of  our  people  to  the  distant  West.  A  new  impetus  was 
given  to  this  depleting  process  by  the  fact  that  the  vast  stretches  of  tree- 
less plains  in  the  western  borders  were  found  to  be  of  inexhaustible  fer- 
tility. They  tempted  our  people  from  the  homes  which  their  fathers 
with  toil  and  sacrifice  had  founded,  and  others  with  different  religious 
traditions  and  sympathy  for  other  forms  possessed  the  ancestral  acres. 
The  deserted  sanctuaries  by  the  way-side,  with  the  neglected  graves  of 
the  fathers  and  the  mothers  in  the  tangled  wilderness  of  the  forsaken 
church-yard,  make  the  heart  ache,  and  unseal  the  verj'  depths  of  the 
fountain  of  our  tears. 

It  is  one  of  the  problems  which  confront  the  present  generation  to 
determine  what  shall  be  done  for  these  decaying  churches.  Shall  they 
die,  uncared  for  by  those  in  whose  hands  under  God  their  destiny  is 
held  ?  Shall  we,  without  sacrifice  even  to  prevent,  suffer  the  doors  of 
their  sanctuaries  to  be  closed,  the  ordinances  of  God's  house  to  be  with- 
held, the  venerable  churches  which  the  fathers  founded  and  loved  to  be- 
come extinct?  God  forbid!  Shall  the  very  fountains  from  which  the 
living  streams  have  gushed  through  all  these  years  be  forever  sealed  ? 
Shall  the  ver%-  sources  of  the  strength  of  the  town  and  city  and  western 
churches  be  paralyzed  by  decay  when  there  is  a  possibility  that  the  dis- 
aster may  be  averted  through  the  tender  sympathy,  the  generous  liber- 
ality, and  the  willing  sacrifice,  if  need  be,  of  those  who  have  grown 
strong  at  their  expense?  The  territory  occupied  by  this  Presbyter)-  has 
always  been  missionary'  ground.  The  early  churches  nurtured  the  feeble 
congregations  that  sprang  up  around  them,  and  now  as  their  own  vitality 
is  enfeebled  by  the  richness  of  their  gifts,  the  beneficiaries  that  have 
grown  strong  thereby  should  return  with  loving  heart  and  generous 
hand  these  benefactions  of  the  past.  We  may  all  see  why  presbyterial 
sustentation  of  feeble  churches  should  lie  upon  every  tender  conscience 
and  upon  every  loving  and  grateful  heart. 

The  statistics  of  the  whole  church  at  the  end  of  fifty  years  show  that 
there  were  one  hundred  and  fifteen  Presbyteries,  and  that  only  eighteen 
had  more  ministers  in  connection  with  them  than  this  Presbytery,  and 
three  others  the  same  number;  si.x  had  more  churches,  and  one  other 
the  same  number,  whilst  Huntingdon  Presbyter>'  reported  more  com- 
municants than  any  other.  In  this  respect  it  was  the  leading  Presby- 
tery in   our  connection.     From  an  obscure  condition  among  a  feeble 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  3 1 

group  it  had  taken  a  conspicuous  place.  This  is  the  enviable  position 
into  which  the  fathers  under  the  blessing  of  the  Great  Head  of  the 
church  had  brought  this  organization.  What  great  things  hath  God 
wrought! 

But  we  can  only  glance  at  the  statistics  of  another  fifty  years.  It 
would  be  impossible  to  take  them  in  detail,  although  useful  lessons  may 
be  embodied  in  the  formidable  array  of  figures.  They  start  into  life  and 
broaden  into  columns  of  li\'ing  men  and  women  working  for  Christ  and 
humanity.  They  sum  up  in  seeming  heartless  aggregates  the  tears  and 
prayers  and  toils  of  godly  thousands.  They  become  animated  by  a  new 
life  which  pulsates  and  glows  and  warms  by  the  stimulating  contact  of 
the  divine  grace  in  hundreds  of  human  hearts.  Could  they  tell  the 
story  of  their  formation  it  would  be  fragrant  with  the  love  of  pastor  and 
of  people  working  together  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of 
men.  The  results  of  fifty  years  of  toil  and  sacrifice  by  hundreds  of 
devoted  men  and  women  cannot  be  easily  told.  The  consequences  are 
so  far-reaching,  the  aggregates  are  so  stupendous,  that  justice  cannot 
properly  be  done  the  theme.  The  cold  statistical  statement  fails  to 
present  motives  and  prayers  and  sacrifices  and  toils  and  tears,  that  much 
is  necessarily  left  to  the  imagination  roused  into  intense  activity  by  sym- 
pathy with  so  glorious  a  cause.  For  fifty  years  have  earnest  workers 
been  building  on  the  stable  foundations  which  the  fathers  laid ;  and  who 
can  tell  the  towers  of  this  stately  Zion,  within  whose  sheltering  walls  so 
many  thousands  dwell  ? 

Throughout  the  limits  of  the  Presbytery  the  churches  which  were 
once  feeble  have  grown  strong.  On  the  other  hand,  some  have  waxed 
weaker  and  weaker  until  the  point  of  extinction  has  been  almost  reached. 
A  number  which  had  no  existence  then  have  been  founded  and  fostered, 
and  are  now  the  strongest  churches  numerically  within  our  bounds.  As 
before  stated,  the  total  number  of  communicants  reported  to  the  General 
Assembly  in  1807  was  five  hundred  and  fifty-eight,  and  now  at  least 
three  churches  organized  within  these  fifty  years  have  each  quite  that 
number  or  more  in  their  fellowship, — viz.,  the  First  and  Second  of  Altoona 
and  the  church  of  Tyrone ;  whilst  Clearfield  Church,  at  that  time  a 
feeble  flock,  has  more  communicants  than  the  entire  Presbytery  reported 
in  1807.  Some  years  ago  the  policy  that  prevailed  led  to  the  division 
of  pastoral  charges  and  the  increase  of  independent  congregations ;  but 
the  times  have  changed.  Some  of  the  congregations  have  become 
weaker,  and  now  a  return  to  the  consolidating  processes  of  the  earlier 


32  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

years  seems  necessary.  This  does  not  mean  of  necessity  a  general  decay, 
but  simply  a  return  to  more  conservative  and  safe  practices. 

The  statistics  for  the  last  year  of  the  century  have  not  been  furnished 
us  as  yet,  and  we  can  only  use  for  our  comparison  the  facts  which  the 
last  year's  report  furnishes  us.  The  total  number  of  communicants  is 
ten  thousand  nine  hundred  and  one,  of  churches  seventy-five,  and  of 
ministers  si.xty-two ;  contributions  to  Home  Missions,  including  presby- 
terial  sustentation,  eight  thousand  three  hundred  dollars,  to  Foreign  Mis- 
sions nine  thousand  four  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars,  and  to  all 
other  boards  five  thousand  four  hundred  dollars,  making  an  aggregate 
for  benevolent  objects  alone  of  more  than  twenty -three  thousand  dollars, 
in  contrast  with  the  two  thousand  dollars  of  fifty  years  ago.  But  the 
contrast  is  not  unfavorable  to  the  devotion  and  benevolence  of  the 
fathers,  for  the  country  has  increased  in  wealth  in  perhaps  as  great  a 
ratio.  There  has,  however,  been  an  advance  in  Cliristian  giving  as 
there  has  been  in  intelligent  methods  of  work  in  all  departments  of 
Christian  activity  within  these  years. 

More  than  one  thousand  additions  on  profession  of  faith  were  made 
during  the  past  year,  and  the  grand  aggregate  represents  many  thousands 
of  earnest  and  hopeful  workers  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  I  am  deeply 
conscious  of  the  inadequacy  of  figures  to  set  forth  in  proper  fulness  the 
progress  of  these  years.  When  the  century  began  the  total  number  of 
ministers  in  connection  with  the  General  Assembly  was  one  hundred 
and  seventy-seven,  and  now  there  is  one-third  of  that  number  in  con- 
nection with  our  own  Presbytery.  In  1807  there  were  not  quite  eigh- 
teen thousand  communicants  in  connection  with  the  entire  church,  and 
now  in  our  own  Presbytery  alone  there  are  considerably  more  than  half 
that  number  in  the  fellowship  of  its  churches.  But  it  is  not  in  the 
number  of  its  members  or  in  the  amount  of  their  contributions  to  objects 
of  benevolence  that  the  great  work  of  these  years  is  to  be  discerned. 
We  never  can  tell  the  sum  of  Christian  work.  It  increases  and  extends 
through  all  the  years.  It  reaches  into  the  limitless  stretches  of  eternity. 
The  great  day  will  scarcely  disclose  the  glorious  results  of  this  work, 
protracted  through  the  pregnant  decades  of  the  century  agone. 

The  last  half  of  the  century  which  passes  in  review  to-day  is  espe- 
cially notable  in  the  great  progress  in  the  arts,  the  advancement  in  the 
processes  of  education,  in  the  civil  changes  which  have  taken  place,  and 
in  the  broadening  of  Cliristian  charity  which  tlie  external  cluuch 
displays.      We   approach   the  end   of  the  nineteenth   century  with   the 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  33 

profoundest  anxiet}-  for  the  final  result,  which  the  signs  of  the  times 
seem  to  foreshadow.  The  church  in  all  its  organizations  has,  perhaps,  a 
higher  conception  of  its  office  than  even  before.  The  strifes  among 
denominations,  which  consumed  their  energies  and  wasted  their  resources 
to  a  large  extent,  have  ceased.  The  unfriendly  contests  for  pre-eminence 
have  changed  to  greater  effort  to  possess  all  lands  for  Christ.  The 
external  church  seems  to  be  approaching  that  point  where  it  may  be 
sung  in  the  enthusiastic  refrain  of  Christendom,  "  Behold,  how  good 
and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity !" 

Whilst  one  schism  occurred  through  the  exigencies  of  civil  war,  and 
a  great  church  has  chosen  to  pursue  its  own  way,  departing  from  associa- 
tions which  the  fathers  formed,  another  schism  has  been  healed.  The 
aggregate  of  benefit  is  doubtless  greater  than  the  loss  incurred,  but  the 
friends  of  our  Presbyterian  Zion  hope  for  the  return  of  all  to  the  support 
of  the  glorious  standard  of  our  common  Presbyterianism.  The  civil  war 
with  all  its  sorrows  and  its  triumphs  belongs  to  this  latter  period.  Its 
desolations  reached  every  portion  of  our  territory, — not  in  the  presence 
of  an  armed  foe,  but  in  the  desolations  which  it  wrought.  Ever)'  hamlet, 
and  well-nigh  every  home,  experienced  its  blighting,  desolating  force. 
But  it  is  foreign  to  our  purpose  to  dwell  upon  issues  that  awaken  our 
interest  as  citizens  rather  than  as  Presbyterians.  We  rejoice  in  the 
results  of  that  tremendous  convulsion,  in  the  broadening  and  deepening 
of  our  national  life,  in  the  consolidating  and  strengthening  of  our  institu- 
tions, in  the  release  of  the  bondmen,  in  the  many  things  by  which  the 
country  has  been  benefited. 

But  it  is  proper  to  glance  at  the  work  of  the  Presbj'tery  for  a  little 
time  further  before  the  end  is  reached.  Its  influence  in  the  direction  of 
liberal  education  is  noteworthy.  The  early  fathers  laid  the  foundations 
of  liberal  culture  in  all  this  region.  They  eked  out  a  slender  salary  by 
teaching  the  youth  who  were  ambitious  to  obtain  a  classical  education, 
and  many  who  subsequently  attained  to  eminence  in  church  and  state 
owed  their  equipment  to  these  faithful  men.  The  facilities  now  furnished 
at  the  public  expense,  or  through  the  benevolence  of  philanthropic  men 
and  women,  were  then  unknown.  The  stately  institutions  that  now 
gather  under  their  shelter  thousands  of  our  youth  were  then  in  their 
infancy,  or  perhaps  not  even  projected.  The  only  facilities  for  a  higher 
education  available  to  the  ambitious  youth  of  this  central  region  were  to 
be  found  in  the  humble  schools  which  the  Presbyterian  pastors  had 
established.     Many,  who  attained  to  positions  of  usefulness  and  honor, 

3 


34  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

were  fitted  to  adorn  them  through  the  offices  of  these  unpretentious 
schools.  Rev.  Jolin  Coulter  gathered  about  him  the  youth  of  Tuscarora 
and  adjacent  valleys,  and  among  his  pupils  was  the  late  Dr.  David  Elliot, 
of  Western  Theological  Seminary,  the  eminent  and  devout  teacher  of  a 
sound  theology.  The  Rev.  John  Hutchison  attracted  many  by  his  well- 
established  reputation  for  scholarship  and  fitness  to  teach  the  higher 
branches  of  learning.  The  old  stone  church  at  Mifflintown,  where  he 
preached  with  acceptance  the  gospel  of  Christ  for  many  years,  was  the 
scene,  also,  of  his  pedagogic  labors.  Rev.  Dr.  James  S.  Woods  ren- 
dered the  same  grateful  service  to  a  wide  circle  of  admiring  pupils, 
and  among  them  was  the  gentle  and  gifted  Matthew  B.  Hope,  who 
became  an  eminent  instructor  in  the  College  of  New  Jersey.  At  an 
earlier  day  the  Rev.  John  Johnston  gathered  about  him  in  this  town 
a  band  of  earnest  youth  in  quest  of  knowledge,  and  for  many  years 
the  fame  of  his  classical  school  was  far-reaching.  The  humble  struc- 
ture in  vifhich  he  so  patiently  taught  remains  as  an  ancient  landmark 
until  this  day. 

Many  years  ago  this  region  was  noted  for  its  academical  institutions. 
The  youth  were  attracted  to  them  from  distant  parts,  and  many  that  are 
eminent  in  all  the  walks  of  life  owe  their  fitness  for  these  positions  to 
their  training  here.  The  venerable  Rev.  McKnight  Williamson,  who  so 
recently  passed  from  our  midst  because  his  Lord  had  called  him  to  his 
rest  and  his  reward,  was  instrumental  in  founding  an  institution  in 
Tuscarora  Valley  that  attained  a  high  pre-eminence  as  a  classical  school. 
Rev.  James  Y.  McGinnis  was  equally  successful  in  establishing  a  famous 
school  at  Shade  Gap.  Their  halls  were  crowded  by  young  men  from 
near  and  afar.  Whilst  their  career  has,  unhappily,  ended,  their  influence 
is  an  ever-widening  circle.  It  may  not  be  profitable  to  seek  out  the 
causes  of  the  decay  of  these  once  prosperous  schools  and  others  like 
them.  A  prodigal  expenditure  of  the  people's  money  in  State  institutions 
of  inferior  grade  is  largely  responsible  for  the  disaster  of  their  decay. 

In  former  years  a  pastor  of  the  Presbytery,  a  relative  of  the  writer, 
surrendered  his  pastoral  work  that  he  might  help  to  teach  in  a  wider 
circle  the  gracious  principles  of  our  holy  religion  through  the  agency 
of  the  religious  press,  and  many  years  thereafter  his  paper  was  absorbed 
by  the  Presbyteriaii  Banner,  which  was  founded  through  the  enterprise 
and  zeal  of  a  former  member  of  this  Presbytery, — the  gifted  and  per- 
sistent Dr.  David  McKinney.  His  long  struggle  for  the  success  of  his 
scheme  was  bravely  maintained  and  loyally  upheld  by  his  own  brethren. 


Of    THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  35 

But  failing  to  enlist  the  General  Assembly  in  the  enterprise,  he  under- 
took it  alone,  and  the  result  is  before  the  world  in  the  career  of  a  periodi- 
cal which  has  brought  blessing  to  innumerable  homes.  It  seems  a  fitting 
thing  that  a  son  of  this  eminent  man  should  be  connected  with  the  edito- 
rial staff  of  the  venerable  Presbyterian,  the  invaluable  friend  and  mentor 
of  our  childhood  and  youth,  and  which  has  been  an  oracle  for  much 
more  than  half  a  century  to  its  many  readers  in  Central  Pennsylvania. 

The  cause  of  education  always  excited  a  lively  interest,  especially  in 
the  minds  of  the  fathers ;  and  from  the  outset  appeals  were  made  to  the 
congregations  for  contributions  towards  the  education  of  young  men  for 
the  gospel  ministry  who  could  not  without  this  aid  obtain  a  liberal 
education.  It  would  be  an  honorable  record  for  a  hundred  j-ears  if  it 
could  be  examined  in  detail.  It  seemed  to  be  at  considerable  sacrifice 
that  the  fathers  gathered  the  meagre  sums  to  help  to  supply  the  waste 
places  with  the  ordinances  of  religion. 

It  would  be  an  injustice  to  the  memory  of  the  dead  if  we  did  not 
place  on  record  our  appreciation  of  their  love  for  the  work  of  the  Master 
in  its  most  common  forms.  The  great  commission  was  to  them  the 
marching  orders  of  the  great  Captain  of  our  salvation.  The  necessity 
of  preaching  the  gospel  to  every  creature  did  not  arise  out  of  the  exi- 
gency of  the  times,  but  from  the  positive  command  of  the  great  Head 
of  the  church  himself  It  was  not  a  question  of  expediency  at  all,  but 
of  absolute  duty,  and  so  the  great  work  of  missions  at  home  and  abroad 
has  always  pressed  upon  the  consciences  of  our  pastors  and  people. 
The  Presbytery  from  the  very  beginning  has  profoundly  sympathized 
with  this  glorious  work.  Her  sons  and  her  daughters  have  gone  to 
distant  lands  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  to  the  perishing.  The  Pres- 
byteiy  has  always  been  ready  with  gifts  and  personal  co-operation  to 
advance  this  blessed  object.  Its  members  gladly  imposed  their  hands 
in  ordination  on  the  heads  of  bright  and  consecrated  men  that  they 
might  go  out  with  the  torch  of  truth  in  hand  into  the  darkest  places  of 
the  earth.  With  their  prayers  and  their  gifts  they  have  followed  them 
to  their  fields  of  labor  among  the  perishing  heathen.  It  is  a  noteworthy 
fact  that  at  least  three  of  her  sons  are  telling  the  story  of  the  Cross  to 
the  benighted  people  of  distant  lands  to-day. 

In  home  mission  work  it  has  been  quite  as  distinctly  engaged. 
Many  have  gone  out  from  its  borders  to  carry  the  gospel  to  the  frontier 
settlements  of  our  own  land.  In  forest  and  on  prairie  the  voices  of  her 
sons  have  been   lifted   up  in  the  interest  of  truth  and  righteousness. 


36  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Tliey  have  braved  tlic  winter  storms,  have  submitted  to  the  rough  ex- 
periences of  frontier  life,  that  they  might  lay  the  foundations,  and  estab- 
lish ordinances,  which  would  bless  and  save  multitudes  who  were  seek- 
ing to  establish  homes  in  the  distant  West-land. 

Early  in  the  last  decade  of  our  ecclesiastical  history  the  Presbytery 
undertook  the  care  of  its  feeble  churches,  and  the  prosecution  of  mission 
work  within  its  own  bounds.  The  work  has  been  a  helpful  one,  as  it 
enlisted  the  sympathies  of  our  people  in  the  welfare  of  our  feeble  con- 
gregations, and  brought  us  in  pleasant  contact  with  new  fields  of  Chris- 
tian enterprise.  The  magnitude  of  the  undertaking  alone  has  prevented 
us  showing  that  sympath)'  for  the  sustentation  enterprise  of  the  Synod 
of  Pennsylvania,  which  in  its  broader  field  and  amidst  greater  hin- 
derances  it  justly  deserves.  With  a  perfect  co-operation  on  the  part  of 
all  our  congregations  we  would  be  able  to  accomplish  greater  things, 
and  to  give  of  the  surplus  of  our  gifts  to  other  needy  ones.  Within 
less  than  a  decade  about  twelve  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  have 
been  raised  and  disbursed  without  any  expense  of  administration  what- 
ever. Many  feeble  churches  have  been  aided  in  maintaining  the  ordi- 
nances. Other  churches  have  been  gathered  and  helped  to  prosecute 
the  work  for  the  Master  under  favorable  conditions,  and  many  a  faithful 
toiler  has  been  cheered  and  helped  by  its  prompt  and  timely  aid. 

The  cause  of  Temperance  has  received  its  mightiest  impulses  in  all 
this  region  from  the  faithful  testimony  of  our  ministers  and  people.  If 
some  of  the  early  fathers  brought  from  their  foreign  homes  unfortunate 
drinking  habits,  which  hindered  their  work  and  brought  reproach  upon 
our  holy  religion,  others  became  the  pioneers  in  temperance  reform. 
The  earliest  recollections  of  the  writer  are  connected  with  the  Washing- 
tonian  movement,  and  conspicuous  among  the  local  leaders  in  that  reforni 
was  his  own  pastor.  His  enthusiasm  was  contagious,  and  he  sought  to 
lead  his  congregation  and  all  others  into  the  paths  of  sobriety.  It  re- 
quired a  true  moral  heroism  in  the  earliest  stages  of  this  work  to  con- 
demn the  drinking  habits  of  tlie  time  and  to  promote  the  unpojjular 
reform.  But  the  times  have  greatly  changed,  and  now  the  trend  of 
Christian  thought  is  in  direct  antagonism  towards  such  unseemly  indul- 
gence. But  this  intelligent  sentiment  was  created  by  a  generation  long 
since  passed  away.  The  credit  of  this  enlightened  stand  on  the  moral 
questions  of  the  day  belongs  to  those  whose  early  struggles  were  directed 
to  the  purging  of  all  moral  forces  from  the  contaminating  associations 
of  strong  drink.     They  encountered  the  prejudices  of  the  great  mass  of 


OF   THE   PRESB  YTER  Y  OF  HUNTIXGDOy.  37 

the  people.  They  were  called  upon  to  lift  up  a  standard  against  social 
customs  that  seemed  thoroughly  intrenched,  to  antagonize  the  popular 
sentiment,  and  to  assail  even  the  cherished  theories  of  those  on  whom 
they  depended  for  their  bread.  But  their  fidelity  is  rewarded  in  the 
hopeful  aspect  of  this  much-needed  reform. 

One  of  the  marked  agencies  for  good  which  has  been  developed 
within  these  latter  years  is  the  organization  for  work  of  the  earnest  women 
of  our  churches.  In  former  times  it  did  not  enter  into  the  thoughts 
of  the  fathers  to  utilize  this  mighty  power.  Its  surprising  development 
has  indicated  a  new  departure  in  Christian  work  which  must  lead  to  re- 
sults that  will  bless  the  world  in  all  ages  to  come.  To  the  hints  which 
the  epistles  of  the  great  Apostle  to  the  Gentiles  kept  constantly  before 
the  eye  of  Christendom  the  church  seemed  to  be  strangely  oblivious. 
But  now  the  Christian  world  is  delighted  and  amazed  at  woman's  work, 
especially  her  work  for  woman.  The  church  is  blessed  by  her  activity. 
Every  impulse  of  devotion  is  awakened  by  the  touch  of  her  gentle 
hand.  Ever>'  work  receives  a  new  life  from  the  inbreathing  of  her  loving 
spirit.  With  matchless  tact  she  carries  forward  enterprises  that  would 
have  sadly  languished  without  her  loving  care  and  help.  Her  sympa- 
thetic eye  discerns  the  wants  of  those  beyond  the  limits  of  our  Presby- 
tery, and  directs  efforts  for  their  relief  The  highest  place  of  honor  must 
be  assigned  the  earnest  and  godly  women  who  quietly  pursue  the  way 
in  which  the  Master  leads  them,  who  minister  to  him  as  truly  and  as 
tenderly  as  the  Mar\-s  and  Salomes  of  old  cared  for  the  blessed  One, 
whilst  a  patient  and  wear}'  toiler  under  the  burning  heats  of  a  Syrian 
sun. 

To  trace  the  influence  of  this  Presbytery  through  this  hundred  years 
on  the  civil  affairs  of  this  Commonwealth  would  be  a  grateful  task.  But 
we  can  only  glance  at  a  phase  of  our  subject  so  far-reaching  as  this.  It 
seems  to  me  that  Presbyterians  can  be  nothing  else  than  good  and  patri- 
otic citizens.  Every  interest  is  bound  up  in  the  welfare  of  our  beloved 
country.  Every  instinct  of  personal  concern  and  of  dut>'  would  render 
them  of  necessity  patriotic,  and  devoted  to  the  maintenance  of  authority 
and  order.  Tlie  government  itself  is  the  cr\-stallizing  of  Presbyterian 
principles  in  the  forms  of  authority  and  law.  It  is  the  ideal  of  every  one 
who  is  devoted  to  the  standards  and  polity  of  our  church.  The  heart 
instinctively  embalms  in  its  reverence  and  regard  institutions  that  reflect 
in  such  a  marked  degree  the  very  principles  which  the  fathers  taught, 
and  for  which  they  suffered  and  so  many  died.     Our  representative  form 


38  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

of  government  is  the  outcome  of  the  verj-  teachings  which  have  blessed 
the  world  from  the  days  of  Calvin  and  of  Knox.  Tiie  Presbyterian 
pastor  was  the  object  of  British  hate  in  the  troublous  Colonial  and  Revo- 
lutionarj-  times.  They  and  their  people  stood  up  nobly  for  the  cause  of 
libertj'  and  free  government,  and  to  this  day  their  descendants  are  ready 
with  stout  heart  and  strong  arm  to  defend  these  priceless  institutions. 

From  the  congregations  of  this  Presbyter}'  have  many  gone  forth  to 
serve  their  countrj'  in  its  time  of  peril,  and  their  generation  in  all  the 
various  walks  of  life.  By  a  thorough  training  in  the  doctrines  of  the 
word  and  principles  of  our  holy  religion,  they  have  been  furnished 
for  the  most  responsible  positions.  They  have  adorned  ever}'  station, 
and  have  brought  honor  to  themselves  and  to  the  people  whose  interests 
they  were  appointed  to  conserve.  Of  the  twentj'-three  governors  of  this 
Commonwealth,  five  were  associated  with  congregations  within  the 
original  limits  of  this  Presbytery.  Three  of  them,  Governors  William 
Bigler,  James  Pollock,  and  James  A.  Beaver  have  been  office-bearers 
therein,  whilst  the  others.  Governors  David  R.  Porter  and  Andrew  G. 
Curtin,  whose  recent  death  filled  the  land  with  sorrow,  were  in  full 
sympathy  with  the  doctrine  and  polity  of  the  church  of  their  fathers. 
But  it  would  be  invidious  to  mention  some  names  only  of  those  who 
have  occupied  the  high  places ;  who  have  sat  upon  the  bench  in  the  lower 
and  the  higher  courts  of  this  Commonwealth  ;  who  have  been  dignified 
and  influential  members  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in 
Congress,  or  have  attained  to  eminence  in  the  learned  professions,  or 
have  reached  the  highest  success  in  mechanical,  agricultural,  or  other 
business  pursuits.  There  is  a  broadening  and  refining  and  stimulating 
influence  in  the  verj'  principles  of  our  Presbyterianism  that  dignifies  and 
ennobles  character ;  that  beautifies  and  strengthens  life ;  that  makes  men 
earnest  and  the  benefactors  of  their  kind. 

We  may  interrogate  the  days  that  are  past,  and  the  answer  will  be 
voiced  by  hundreds  and  thousands  of  beneficiaries,  "  The  land  in  which 
we  dwell,  the  world  itself,  is  better  that  God  ordained  that  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Huntingdon  should  be  a  beneficent  agency  therein."  Great 
numbers  have  passed  in  at  the  open  gate  of  the  city  of  habitation  above, 
led  thither  by  its  faithful  teachings,  and  the  great  throng  on  the  sea  of 
glass  awaits  in  rapturous  delight  the  full  consummation  of  its  finished 
work.     The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  39 

PRAYER. 

REV.  ANDREW  H.  PARKER. 

O  God,  the  fountain  of  all  excellence  and  the  Father  of  mercies 
infinitely  exalted  above  us  and  absolutely  independent  of  us,  possessed 
of  every  infinite  and  possible  perfection,  thou  art  worthy  of  the  praise, 
adoration,  and  love  of  all  thine  intelligent  creatures.  We  would  enter 
thy  gates  this  day  with  thanksgiving  and  come  into  thy  courts  with 
praise.  ■  We  would  thank  thee  for  the  sacred  and  inspiring  memories  of 
the  past,  for  the  gracious  and  elevating  associations  of  the  present,  and 
for  the  suggestions  and  thoughts  and  hopes  respecting  the  future  which 
are  necessarily  brought  home  to  our  hearts  in  connection  with  this 
anniversary  of  the  Presbytery.  We  would  remember  the  way  by  which 
thou  hast  led  these  churches  of  thy  grace  through  these  many  years. 
We  would  rehearse  thy  wondrous  works  of  old,  and  tell  of  thy  doings. 
We  would  weave  thy  mercies  into  our  songs  of  praise,  and  call  upon  our 
souls  and  all  that  is  within  us  to  bless  and  magnify  thy  holy  name  for 
thy  love  and  care,  thy  patience  and  thy  faithfulness.  We  would  say, 
"  Not  unto  us,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name,  be  all  the  glory  and  the 

praise." 

We  thank  thee  for  the  goodly  heritage  of  thy  church  in  this  portion 
of  thy  vineyard.  We  thank  thee  for  its  beginning,  its  progress,  and  its 
bountiful  present.  We  praise  thee  for  the  faith  of  our  fathers,  as  they 
set  foot  upon  this  portion  of  our  land,  and  claimed  it  for  the  Master. 
We  thank  thee  for  the  churches  which  they  planted  in  faith  and  prayer, 
through  struggle  and  self-denial,  and  which  thou  didst  so  signally  bless 
and  prosper.  We  thank  thee  for  the  streams  of  gracious  influence  which 
issued  from  them,  enlightening,  converting,  and  sanctifying.  We  thank 
thee  for  the  truth  thy  servants  guarded  for  us,  and  have  handed  down  to 
us  in  its  integrity  and  purity.  We  thank  thee  that  so  many  left  behind 
them  the  savor  of  a  holy  life,  and  the  testimony  of  a  triumphant  death. 
We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  made  the  past  century  one  of  distinguish- 
ing blessing,  of  providential  care  and  guidance,  and  of  the  gracious 
operations  of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  and  that  to-day  we  can  rejoice  in  the 
number,  the  unity,  the  strength,  and  the  efficiency  of  the  churches  which 
enrich  and  gladden  this  portion  of  our  land. 

And  now  that  thou  hast  permitted  us  to  enter  upon  another  century, 
we  pray  thee  that  thy  presence  may  go  with  us.     Give  us  an  intelligent 


40  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

appreciation  of  the  significance  of  our  past  histor)-,  and  of  the  promise 
of  the  future  which  it  embodies.  Impress  us  with  a  deep  sense  of  our 
superior  advantages  and  larger  responsibiUties ;  may  we  understand  their 
meaning,  feel  their  pressure,  and  may  we  respond  with  all  our  hearts  to 
their  demands.  May  we  make  progress  in  all  holy  activities,  in  all 
Christian  work,  in  our  love  for  the  souls  of  men,  and  in  the  intelligence 
and  ardor  of  our  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God  and  for  the  cause  of  Jesus 
Christ.  May  thy  church  be  purified  and  strengthened  and  enlarged ; 
may  it  become  more  luminous,  more  energetic,  and  more  fruitful ;  may 
the  name  of  Christ,  which  is  above  every  name,  be  exalted  in  it  and  the 
gospel  be  preached  in  its  purity  and  power. 

Bless  the  members  of  the  churches  represented  here.  Adorn  them 
with  the  gifts  and  graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  May  they  be  united  in 
earnest  and  loving  co-operation  in  the  great  work  which  thou  hast  given 
them  to  do.  May  they  be  lifted  up  to  a  higher  plane  of  Christian  thought, 
feeling,  and  activity,  and  develop  a  nobler  Christianity  than  has  ever  yet 
been  seen  in  our  midst. 

Bless  all  the  ministers  and  elders  of  this  Presbytery.  Give  us  power 
from  on  high.  Qualify  us  for  every  duty.  Fill  our  hearts  with  love  to 
Christ,  and  may  it  be  the  supreme  joy  of  our  lives  to  uphold  the  rights 
of  his  crown  and  to  e.xplain  the  meaning  of  his  cross. 

Bless  all  schools  and  missions  and  societies  and  agencies  under  our 
care.  May  the  abiding  presence  of  thy  Spirit  testify  to  thy  favor  and 
approbation ;  and  through  their  instrumentality  may  there  be  gathered 
into  the  fellowship  of  the  church  daily  of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

May  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  revive  thy  work  in  every  portion  of  the 
church  universal.  Pardon  all  our  sins,  and  save  us  for  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 


"FRAGMENTS   THAT  REMAIN." 

REV.  JOSEPH   C.   KELLY. 

"CoUigite  fragmenta  ne  pereant." 

The  object  of  this  paper  is  not  to  present  a  connected  and  formal 
historj'  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  but  only  to  give  such  facts  of 
interest  as  may  have  come  within  the  writer's  knowledge.  These  facts, 
however,  are  so  fragmentary  and  incomplete,  and,  offered  as  they  are 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  4 1 

just  after  the  hearing  of  the  admirable  historical  sermon,  so  like  the 
broken  pieces  collected  after  the  feast,  that,  for  want  of  a  better  title,  it 
seems  appropriate  to  style  them  "  Fragments  that  Remain." 

The  first  public  worship  to  Jehovah  and  the  first  preaching  of  the 
gospel  ever  heard  on  the  virgin  soil  of  the  territory  now  occupied  by 
the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  of  which  there  is  any  record,  was  one 
hundred  and  thirt>--nine  years  ago,  when  the  Rev.  Charles  Beatty,  a 
Presbyterian  minister,  at  that  time  chaplain  of  Colonel  Armstrong's  regi- 
ment, preached  to  the  troops  encamped  on  the  Beaver  Dams  near  Hol- 
lidajsburg.  That  was  in  September,  1756,  when  Colonel  Armstrong's 
regiment  was  sent  against  the  Indians  at  Kittanning.  Says  the  Rev.  N. 
G.  White,  in  his  published  sermon,  "  Never  before  had  the  quiet  repose 
of  the  Sabbath  been  broken  by  the  sound  of  a  call  to  prayer  :  its  primi- 
tive silence  v.-as  undisturbed,  save  by  the  scream  of  the  wild  bird,  the 
roar  of  the  beast  of  prey,  or  the  more  terrific  yell  of  the  savage  Indian." 
The  preacher  on  this  occasion  was  no  ordinary  character.  Charles 
Beatty  was  one  of  William  Tennent's  students.  He  had  received  a 
classical  edu'cation  in  Ireland.  Reaching  manhood  and  coming  to  this 
countr>',  he  engaged  in  trade;  he  travelled  on  foot,  or  with  his  pack- 
horse,  to  display  his  "  auld-warld  gear"  to  the  people  in  their  homes. 
Stopping  at  the  old  Log  College  at  Neshaminy,  he  amused  himself  by 
surprising  Tennent  with  a  proffer,  in  Latin,  of  his  merchandise.  Ten- 
nent,  perceiving  at  once  that  this  was  "  no  peddler's  Greek,"  replied  in 
Latin ;  and  the  conversation  went  on  in  the  Roman  tongue,  with  such 
evidence  of  scholarship,  religious  knowledge,  and  fervent  pietj-  that 
Tennent  commanded  him  to  sell  what  he  had  and  prepare  for  the 
ministrj'.  He  was  not  disobedient  to  the  "  heavenly  vision" ;  for  he  who 
spoke  to  Saul  by  the  way  called  Beatt\'  to  "  this  grace  and  apostleship 
also."  *  Charles  Beattj'  was  the  friend  and  companion  of  David  Brainerd  ; 
they  were  often  together,  and  Brainerd  rejoiced  in  his  society.  Of 
Charles  Beatt>'  we  shall  hear  again  ;  for  the  present  we  go  forward  to 
the  organization  of  the  Presbyter}-. 

1795 — PRESBYTERY   ORGAXIZED. 

When  the  Presbyter}-  of  Huntingdon  was  organized  one  hundred 
years  ago  there  were  on  the  territory  now  covered  by  the  Presbytery, 
and  not  including  the  part  which  has  been  assigned  to  the  Presbytery  of 

*  History  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  by  the  Rev.  Richard  Webster. 


42  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Northumberland,  just  seven  groups  of  churches  and  as  many  pastors. 
There  was  one  other  minister,  the  Rev.  John  Hoge,  who  convened  the 
Presbytery  and  preached  the  first  sermon.  However,  he  was  never  a 
pastor,  and  his  name  does  not  appear  upon  the  minutes  of  Presbytery, 
after  the  first  meeting,  except  in  the  relation  of  a  supply  to  some  vacant 
churches. 

The  several  groups  of  churches,  in  the  order  of  the  priority  of  their 
formation  with  their  pastors,  are  as  follows : 

1.  Lower  Tuscarora  and  Cedar  Spring Pastor  Hugh  Magill,  formed  1766. 

2.  WestPenn's  Valley,  Warrior  Marks,  and  Half  Moon  .  Pastor  James  Martin,  formed  1775. 

3.  East  and  West  Kishacoquillas Pastor  James  Johnston,  formed  1783. 

4.  Upper  and  Centre Pastor  Matthew  Stevens,  formed  1783. 

5.  Hart's  Log  and  Huntingdon Pastor  John  Johnston,  formed  1786. 

6.  Frankstown Pastor  David  Bard,  formed  17S8. 

7.  Cedar  Creek  and  Spring  Creek Pastor  David  Wiley,  formed  1794. 

These  seven  groups  of  churches  were  like  the  seven  golden  candle- 
sticks spoken  of  in  Revelation,  and  the  seven  pastors,  like  the  seven 
stars  in  the  hand  of  the  Son  of  man,  stretched  forth  in  mercy  over  the 
newly-formed  settlements.  Some  of  these  candlesticks  have  been  re- 
moved, all  the  stars  have  ceased  to  shine,  or  passed  on  to  shine  in  other 
skies  ;  but  in  their  stead  seventy-five  churches  give  their  light,  and  the 
hand  of  his  mercy,  never  withdrawn,  now  sparkles  with  many  stars. 

LOWER    TUSCARORA    CHURCH. 

The  oldest  church  in  the  Presbytery  which  still  preserves  its  origi- 
nal name  is  the  Lower  Tuscarora.  On  Thursday,  the  2ist  day  of 
August,  1766,  the  Rev.  Charles  Beatt}%  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  George 
Duffield,  and  constituting  a  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  New 
York  and  Philadelphia,  came  to  a  place  in  the  Tuscarora  Valley  where 
the  people  had  begun  to  build  a  house  for  worship  before  the  late  war 
(1763),  but  by  accident  it  had  been  burned.  Here,  on  a  spot  near  where 
the  old  Tuscarora  Academy  now  stands,  Mr.  Duffield  preached.  These 
ministers  had  crossed  the  Tuscarora  Mountain  the  day  before,  preached 
to  some  settlers  farther  up  the  valley,  and  spent  the  night  at  the  house 
of  William  Graham,  two  aftd  a  half  miles  south,  where  David  B.  Esh 
now  lives.  The  valley  had  been  occupied  by  settlers  quite  a  number  of 
years  before  this  time.  A  note  found  among  my  father's  papers,  and  in 
his  own  handwriting,  says,  "  Robert  Hogg,  Samuel  Bigham,  James  Grey, 
and  John  Grey  were  the  four  first  settlers  in  Tuscarora  Valley,  and  the 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  43 

first   white  men  who  came  across   the   Tuscarora  Mountain,  about  the 
year  1749.     From  Hazzard's  Register." 

But  after  the  harvest  season  of  1763,  when  the  early  settlers  were 
surprised,  attacked,  and  many  of  them  cruelly  massacred,  the  valley  was 
for  a  time  deserted  by  its  inhabitants,  who  fled  to  Carlisle  and  Shippens- 
bure  for  refuee.  At  the  time  these  ministers  visited  the  valley  the  peo- 
pie  were  returning,  and  were  ready  once  more  to  erect  the  meetmg-house 
which  had  been  burned  down.  In  fact,  to  quote  from  Beatty's  diary, 
they  "  propose  to  build  two  houses  for  worship,  one  about  fourteen  miles 
from  the  upper  end  of  the  valley,  and  the  other  ten  miles  below  it 
towards  the  Juniata  River.  As  their  circumstances  are  such,  at  present, 
that  they  cannot  support  the  gospel,  they  purpose  to  join  with  the  peo- 
ple settled  upon  the  other  side  of  the  Juniata,  but  hope  in  a  few  years  to 
support  a  minister  in  the  valley." 

This  house  of  worship,  referred  to  in  Beatty's  diary,  was  soon  after 
erected.  It  was  the  pioneer  meeting-house  of  the  Presbytery,  built  of 
round  logs,  covered  with  clapboards,  and  without  a  floor ;  but  had  a 
fireplace  in  one  end,  which  was  a  luxurj^  not  found  in  some  other 
churches  erected  later.  Interesting  reminiscences  are  still  heard  in  that 
congregation  of  how  our  forefathers,  dressed  in  homespun,  worshipped 
God  in  the  old  Log  Cabin  Church,  and  how,  to  guard  against  surprise, 
they  carried  rifles  as  well  as  their  Bibles,  and  stationed  picket  guards  on 
favorable  positions  near  the  church.  The  first  elders  of  this  church  were 
William  Bell,  Esq.,  and  Captain  John  Williams. 

About  the  year  1790,  and  during  the  early  pastorate  of  Mr.  Magill,  a 
second  church  was  built.  It  was  situated  at  the  base  of  the  hill  and  on 
the  northwest  side  of  the  road.  It  was  a  square  log  house  and  of  more 
suitable  dimensions ;  but  the  architecture  and  finish  of  this  house  were 
also  of  a  very  primitive  character.  The  walls  were  not  plastered,  and 
there  was  no  ceiling  above,  and  it  was  lighted  with  a  due  regard  for 
economy.  The  pulpit  was  erected  at  the  west  side,  and  at  the  base  a 
stand  for  the  chorister.  There  was  a  door  at  each  end  of  the  house,  the 
principal  aisle  extended  from  one  door  to  the  other,  and  two  narrow  aisles 
proceeding  from  this  divided  the  house  into  five  plots  of  pews,  three  in 
front  and  one  on  each  side  of  the  pulpit.  A  draft  sketched  in  1803  ex- 
hibits very  well  the  internal  and  also  financial  arrangement,  designating 
the  locality  of  the  pews,  with  the  names  of  the  occupants  and  the  amount 
of  stipend  for  which  each  occupant  was  responsible  in  pounds,  shillings, 
and  pence. 


44  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

A  fine  grove  was  a  pleasant  circumstance  connected  with  this  church, 
extending  over  the  academy  grounds  and  affording  comfortable  shades 
in  all  quarters.  And  in  a  well-selected  spot  a  tent  or  stand  was  erected 
for  the  ministers,  from  which  in  fair  weather,  when  more  than  an  ordinary 
congregation  was  assembled,  they  preached  to  the  eager  people. 

In  1816  the  third  building  (or,  counting  the  one  burnt  down  before 
the  visit  of  Beattj^  and  Duffield  as  the  first,  the  fourth)  was  erected.  It 
was  built  of  stone,  and  still  stands  at  the  forks  of  the  road.  It  has, 
however,  been  remodelled,  and  now  contains  the  recitation  halls  of  the 
old  Tuscarora  Academy. 

The  present  church  was  built  under  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  G.  W. 
Thompson,  D.D.,  in  1849,  at  a  cost  of  six  thousand  five  hundred 
dollars. 

The  first  regular  pastor  of  the  Lower  Tuscarora  Church  was  the 
Rev.  Hugh  Magill,  who  came  in  1776.  He  was  installed  in  1779,  on  the 
fourth  Wednesday  of  November,  over  this  church  and  the  church  of 
Cedar  Spring.     He  resigned  this  part  of  his  charge  in  1796.* 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1799  the  Rev.  John  Coulter,  then  a 
young  man,  visited  the  Tuscarora  Valley  as  an  itinerant  missionary,  and 
it  is  said  preached  his  first  sermon  at  Lower  Tuscarora,  on  the  first  day 
of  Januar\-,  1800, — it  being  the  first  day  of  the  week,  the  first  day  of  the 
month,  the  first  day  of  the  year,  and  the  first  day  of  the  nineteenth 
century, — from  i  Cor.  i.K.  16,  "  Woe  is  unto  me,  if  I  preach  not  the 
gospel !" 

Mr.  Coulter  was  a  ready  and  earnest  preacher,  a  watchful  and  faithful 
pastor.  His  social  qualities  as  well  as  his  ministerial  offices  were 
marked  with  the  spirit  of  the  Master.  In  this  region  he  was  the  first  to 
stem  the  torrent  of  e\'il  flowing  from  the  common  use  of  into.xicating 
drink,  although  encountering  fierce  opposition  in  the  church  as  well  as 
out  of  it. 

The  first  temperance  society  in  Juniata  County  was  organized  by  him 
on  the  27th  of  April,  1 83 1.  This  society  was  called  the  Lower  Tus- 
carora Temperance  Society,  and  anticipated  the  Washingtonian  move- 
ment at  least  ten  years. 


*  All  the  facts  relating  to  the  early  history  of  the  Lower  Tuscarora  Church  are  taken  from 
a  manuscript  prepared  by  Joseph  Kelly,  M.D.  Dr.  Kelly  was  born  November  l8,  I795>  and 
died  .May  26,  1877,  and  was  a  ruling  elder  in  that  church  from  March  lo,  1844,  to  the  time  of 
his  death. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


45 


The  Regulation  of  Sittings  in  the  Lower  Tuscarora  Presbyterian  Church  for 
THE  Year  1803.  Copied  from  a  Copy  of  the  Original  by  Rev.  Robert  Stewart, 
D.D.,  October  26,  1893. 


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Wm.  Martin   .    . 
Joseph  Barnet    ,    .    , 
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Wm.  Forbes   .    . 

3    9  John  Kerr  .    .    . 

John  Stewart  .   . 


John  Smith  .    .    , 
Andrew  Gardner 
Nathaniel   Beck  and 
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Wm.  Wharton   . 

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Esq 

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3  15 


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John  Kelly,  Esq.  .   .  %  ^  ^^ 


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David  Laughlin .   .  .  ^ 


John  Stewart . 


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Christopher  Irwin  .    .  %         ^ 
Robert  McAlister  .    .yi   ^ 


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Frederick  Casner  .   .  J^ 


Hugh  Alexander  .   .  14-         _ 
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46 


THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 


The  original  constitution  contained  six  articles,  of  which  the  most 
important  was  the  third,  and  is  as  follows : 

"  Article  3d.  The  members  of  this  Society  believing  that  the  use  of 
intoxicating  liquors  is  for  persons  in  health  not  only  unnecessar\'  but 
hurtful,  and  that  the  practice  is  the  cause  of  forming  intemperate  appe- 
tites and  habits,  and  that  so  long  as  it  is  continued  the  evils  of  intemper- 
ance can  never  be  prevented,  do  therefore  agree  that  we  will  abstain  from 
the  use  of  distilled  spirits,  except  as  a  medicine  in  case  of  bodily 
infirmity,  that  we  will  not  allow  the  use  of  them  in  our  families,  nor  pro- 
vide them  for  the  entertainment  of  our  friends,  or  for  persons  in  our 
employment,  and  that  in  all  suitable  ways  we  will  discountenance  the 
use  of  them  in  the  community."  * 

*  The  paper  which  contains  the  constitution  bears  also  the  roll  of  the  officers  and  members, 
which  deserves  to  be  perpetuated,  and  is  here  given. 


President. — James  Hughes,  Esq. 

Vice-President. — James  Milliken. 

Secretaries.— 1(i%z^  Kelly,  M.D.,  and  Robert  Barnard. 

Treasurer. — ^James  Patterson. 

Auditor. — Samuel  Milliken. 


SIGNERS  TO   THE  CONSTITUTION. 


Daniel  McDonald. 
Katharine  McDonald. 
Alex.  Patterson. 
Mary  Patterson. 
Samuel  Milliken. 
Sarah  Milliken. 
John  Vankirk. 
James  Hughes. 
Cassandra  Hughes. 
Fanny  Hughes. 
Mary  Hughes. 
James  Hughes,  Jr. 
Robert  Barnard. 
Jane  Brice. 
Wm.  D.  Beale. 
Hannah  Beale. 
Rachel  Beale. 
James  Beale. 
John  Patterson. 
Agnes  Patterson. 
Rachel  Patterson, 


Thomas  Mairs. 
Elizabeth  Mairs. 
Hugh  G.  Hughes. 
John  Gray. 
Eleanor  Morrow. 
Andrew  McDonald. 
John  Rasler. 
Catharine  Rasler. 
Susanna  Rasler. 
John  Krine. 
John  Coulier. 
Joseph  Kelly. 
Wm.  Sterrett. 
John  Patterson. 
Barbara  Hoke. 
Elizabeth  Hoke. 
Mary  Goodwin. 
Ann  B.  Kelly. 
Mary  Ann  Law. 
Margaret  Alexander. 
Moses  Kelly. 


Charles  McDonald. 
Eleanor  McDonald. 
John  McDonald. 
Catharine  McDonald. 
Elizabeth  Burns. 
Martha  Milliken. 
Mary  Laughlin. 
Ann  S.  Laird. 
Jane  Laird. 
Jane  Patterson. 
Jane  W.  Graham. 
Mary  Jane  Coulter. 
Noah  Hedding. 
Nicholas  Okeson. 
Andrew  Patterson. 
Rebecca  Patterson. 
Mary  Jane  Armstrong. 
Samuel  Reed. 
Patrick  Pry. 
Jemima  Alexander. 
Jane  Ligget. 


Ruth  Burns. 
Sarah  Burns. 
James  Milliken. 
Mary  Milliken. 
Milly  Milliken. 
Margaret  Milliken. 
Isabella  Graham. 
Sarah  Sedgewick. 
Martha  Martin. 
James  S.  Patton. 
John  Williams. 
Elizabeth  Martin. 
Jane  Martin. 
Maria  Martin. 
Margaret  Martin. 
Isabella  P.itton. 
Nathaniel  Martin. 
Eliza  Glasgow. 
Isabella  Y.  Martin. 
William  Beard. 
Samuel  Wharton. 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


47 


But  Mr.  Coulter  was  far  in  advance  of  the  common  movement;  he 
had  rebuked  and  arrested  the  unseemly  custom  of  using  intoxicating 
refreshments  at  funerals ;  he  had  tested  and  proved  on  his  own  farm  the 
practicabilit)'  of  dispensing  with  its  use  in  the  harvest-field,  with  the 
mutual  understanding  that  instead  of  the  accustomed  dram  he  would 
give  additional  wages.  He  discarded  it  in  his  family,  and  in  all  suitable 
ways  discountenanced  and  denounced  its  common  use  in  the  community. 

In  the  early  part  of  his  ministry  Mr.  Coulter  taught  a  classical  school, 
in  which  the  Rev.  David  Elliott,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  at  one  time  Senior  Pro- 
fessor of  the  Western  Theological  Seminary,  and  Moderator  of  the 
General  Assembly  in  1837,  was  one  of  the  pupils.* 

"  Mr.  Coulter  was  also  remarkable  for  his  strict  regard  for  punctuality. 
The  day  of  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  Sabbath,  is  said  to  have 
been  the  first  on  which  he  ever  disappointed  his  congregation.  He  died 
June  22,  1834.  The  Rev.  John  Hutchison  spoke  at  his  grave,  and  said, 
'  He  being  dead  yet  speaketh.'  " 

The  next  pastor  of  this  church  was  the  Rev.  McKnight  Williamson, 


Phebe  Patterson. 
John  Snyder. 
Jane  Snyder. 
Ann  Rasler. 
James  Patterson. 
Margaret  Kelly. 
Jane  Patterson. 
Ann  C.  McDonald. 
John  McLaughlin. 
Robert  Montgomery. 
William  Seibert. 
Clementina  Seibert. 
James  Brice. 
Rachel  Brice. 
Eleanor  Brice. 
Rachel  Brice. 
Sarah  S.  Brice. 
John  McCoy. 
Samuel  McWilliams. 
Robert  Patterson. 


Samuel  Starrett. 
Elizabeth  Kelly. 
Sarah  Starrett. 
Ann  E.  Alexander. 
Joseph  Barnard. 
Elizabeth  Barnard. 
David  Alexander. 
Ruth  Brice. 
Ann  Law. 
Sarah  Law. 
William  S.  Irvin. 
Wilson  Laird. 
John  Coulter. 
William  Patterson. 
Samuel  Coder. 
Jane  Telfer. 
Jane  Beale. 
James  Gray. 
Polly  Graham. 
159- 


Mary  A.  Gilson. 
McKnight  Williamson. 
Isabella  Ann  Patterson. 
Nancy  Turbett. 
Mary  Bryson. 
Nancy  E.  Williams. 
Francis  Graham. 
Thomas  Gilson. 
Mary  Behel. 
William  Behel. 
Jane  Behel. 
Joseph  Ard. 
Mar)'  A.  Baird. 
Hannah  Hedding. 
Mary  McDonald. 
Ephraim  Hedding. 
Thomas  M.  Hedding. 
Hugh  Gray. 


Priscilla  Wharton. 
Alice  Wharton. 
John  Berry. 
Nancy  Berry. 
Margaret  I.  Nelson. 
Sarah  Nelson. 
William  Starkey. 
Martha  Starkey. 
Elizabeth  Starkey. 
Margaret  Starkey. 
Stewart  Starkey. 
James  Galloway. 
Eleanor  Galloway. 
Mary  Reed. 
Isabella  Starrett. 
Hugh  Alexander. 
James  McDonald. 
Lydia  McDonald. 


*  When  the  writer  was  a  student  in  the  Western  Theological  Seminary,  in  1862,  Dr. 
Elliott,  then  an  aged  professor,  told  him  that  on  one  of  his  trips  across  the  Tuscarora  Mountain 
to  school  he  met  a  bear  which  stood  across  his  path.  He  was  without  any  weapon  of  defence, 
but  he  had  heard  that  the  wild  animal  was  afraid  of  the  human  eye ;  he  acted  upon  the  thought, 
looked  the  bear  straight  in  the  eye,  and  the  bear  ran  away. 


48  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

who  was  installed  in  1835  and  released  in  1845.  Two  important  events 
distinguished  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Williamson. 

The  first  was  the  incorporation  of  the  famous  Tuscarora  Academy, 
where  so  many  of  the  young  men  of  the  Juniata  Valley  and  elsewhere, 
including  such  names  as  James  P.  Sterrett,  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Pennsylvania,  ex-Judge  Landis,  John  M.  Bailey,  Esq.,  General 
John  P.  Taylor,  J.  G.  Hartswick,  M.D.,  George  M.  Graham.  I\I.D., 
Revs.  John  C.  Barr,  R.  F.  Wilson,  J.  Harris  Stewart,  Joseph  H.  Barnard, 
D.D.,  David  J.  Beale,  D.D.,  George  L.  Shearer,  D.D.,  Joseph  H.  Mathers, 
D.D.,  Professors  John  Hamilton  and  S.S.  Orris,  received  their  academical 
training. 

The  second  event  referred  to  in  the  ministry  of  McKnight  William- 
son, was  the  great  revival  of  1842.  In  the  sketch  of  the  church,  from 
which  I  have  been  drawing  my  information,  it  is  said  that  "  from  the 
beginning  of  the  year  the  means  of  grace  appeared  to  be  attended  with 
more  than  ordinary  interest  and  encouragement.  But  the  ensuing  Au- 
gust, at  a  sacramental  season,  the  manifestation  of  the  presence  of  God 
in  his  convicting  and  converting  power,  and  the  reviving  influence  of  his 
spirit  were  amazing.  Mr.  Williamson  was  assisted  on  that  occasion  by 
the  Rev.  Wm.  Ramsay,  D.D.,  who  preached  from  day  to  day  with  pecu- 
liar unction  and  power.  And  as  the  gracious  work  proceeded  thronged 
congregations  looked  upon  it  with  awe  and  admiration ;  but  some  doubted. 
Though  it  was  a  busy  season  the  congregation  generally  relinquished 
their  worldly  cares  and  business  and  attended  church.  An  instance  is 
mentioned  of  a  farmer  who,  at  an  early  stage  of  the  progress  of  the 
meetings,  went  out  in  the  morning  to  look  after  his  hands  and  send 
them  to  the  field.  The  first  man  he  met  declined  to  go  because  he 
wanted  to  go  to  church,  the  second  man  was  in  the  same  frame  of  mind  ; 
he  came  to  the  third,  who,  in  reply  to  the  summons  to  go  to  the  field, 
cried  out,  "  Pray  for  me."  Then  they  all  kneeled  down  there  and  deter- 
mined to  "  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness."  *    The 

*  Since  this  paper  has  been  published  the  writer  has  received  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  W. 
A.  Patton,  of  Osborn,  Ohio,  in  which  he  says,  "  Your  father  gave  me  from  memory  substan- 
tially the  same  account.  One  incident  I  well  remember;  it  was  during  the  great  revival.  He 
was  passing  on  horseback  the  large  sugar-lree  near  W.  P.  Graham's  b.irn  (I  wonder  if  it  is 
still  standing),  where  he  saw  in  the  fence-corner  my  father  on  his  knees,  praying  with  and  for 
my  uncle  George  Gilliford,  then  a  young  man.  I  spoke  to  my  uncle  about  this  incident.  He 
said  it  was  true,  and  believed  the  prayer  was  the  means  under  God  of  his  conversion.  He 
died  last  year,  a  faithful  Chri<-tian  and  an  honored  elder  of  the  Church  of  Delphi,  Indiana." 
The  sugar-tree  referred  to  in  this  note  was  a  magnificent  specimen  of  its  kind,  much  admired 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  49 

effect  of  that  revival  was  profound,  and  is  clearly  manifest  to  this  day.  It 
seemed  also  to  have  been  the  beginning  of  a  great  revival  which  extended 
all  over  the  Presbytery  the  next  year.  Mr.  Williamson  continued  to  be 
the  pastor  of  the  Lower  Tuscarora  Church  until  1845,  when,  at  his  own 
request,  the  relation  was  dissolved.  My  father  spoke  of  him  as  an  im- 
pressive preacher,  an  active  and  watchful  pastor,  and  the  most  gifted 
man  in  prayer  he  had  ever  heard.  I  presume  the  prayers  which  he 
remembered  were  fragrant  memories  of  the  revival  of  1842. 

Mr.  Williamson  spent  many  years  in  the  West,  returned  to  this  Pres- 
bytery in  1881,  and  died  March  21,  1S93,  at  the  residence  of  his  daughter, 
Mrs.  W.  H.  Woods,  in  Huntingdon,  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-three 
years. 

After  Mr.  Williamson  left,  the  Rev.  B.  H.  Campbell  supplied  the 
church  for  a  short  time.  Next  came  the  Rev.  George  W.  Thompson, 
D.D.,  a  man  of  singularly  persuasive  pulpit  power.  The  writer  has 
never  heard  from  the  lips  of  man  words  that  thrilled  his  soul  like  those 
uttered  by  his  pastor  when,  as  a  boy,  he  sat  under  his  powerful  ministry. 
I  have  heard  aged  persons  in  that  congregation  say,  in  times  of  revival, 
that  it  seemed  "  the  minister  was  an  angel."  The  same  thought  often 
crossed  my  own  mind ;  and  sure  am  I  to-day  that  in  those  heavenly 
scenes  George  W.  Thompson  was  clothed  with  power  from  on  high. 
A  fair  sketch  of  Dr.  Thompson's  life  is  found  in  Gibson's  History ;  but 
recollections  far  more  vivid  are  impressed  upon  the  hearts  and  affections 
of  that  congregation. 

MIFFLINTOWN. 

Contemporaneous  with  the  life  of  the  Lower  Tuscarora  Church  runs 
the  histor>'  of  the  Church  of  Cedar  Spring  (now  MifBintown  and  Lost 
Creek). 

The  Rev.  Charles  Beatty  and  the  Rev.  George  Duffield,  who  preached 
at  Tuscarora,  August  21,  1766,  rode  down  the  valley  that  same  afternoon, 
a  distance  of  eight  miles,  to  Captain  Patterson's  (living  where  Mexico 
now  stands).  The  next  day  Mr.  Beatty  preached  in  the  woods  about 
two  miles  north  of  the  Juniata.  Here,  he  says,  the  people  began  to  build 
a  house  of  worship  some  years  ago,  but  did  not  finish  it ;  but  e.xpect  soon 
to  do  it.     He  adds,  "  These  poor  people,  as  well  as  those  of  Tuscarora, 

and  the  subject  of  remark  by  many  a  stranger.  It  was  blown  down  by  a  storm  in  the  summer 
of  1893,  and  only  the  stump  now  marks  where  it  stood,  and  where  under  its  spreading  shade 
our  fathers  wrestled  with  God,  and  at  least  one  soul  found  the  gate  of  heaven. 

4 


50  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

before  mentioned,  are  very  desirous  of  having  the  gospel  settled  among 
them,  and  for  that  purpose  appeared  forward  and  willing  to  do  every- 
thing in  their  power;  but  for  the  present,  the  people  here,  and  in  other 
places  that  have  suffered  so  much  by  the  war,  have  a  number  of  diffi- 
culties to  struggle  with,  as  they  have  to  begin  the  world  anew." 

After  sermon  the  two  ministers  returned  to  Captain  Patterson's,  where 
they  agreed  to  part  for  a  few  daj's,  Duffield  to  return  to  the  Path  Valley, 
Great  and  Little  Coves, — to  set  out  on  his  wa}'  that  same  evening,  and 
preach  in  the  Path  Valley  the  following  Sabbath, — and  Beatty  to  remain 
at  Captain  Patterson's  over  the  Sabbath,  and  the  week  following  preach 
to  the  settlements  up  the  Juniata.  By  this  arrangement  Beatty  preached 
on  Sabbath,  August  24,  near  the  mouth  of  the  "  Tuskerora  River"  (Tus- 
carora  Creek),  where  it  empties  into  the  Juniata,  to  a  large  congregation 
collected  from  different  quarters  and  from  afar.  It  is  probable  that  an- 
nouncements for  this  meeting  had  been  made  at  the  meetings  held  the 
week  before,  and  that  as  a  consequence  the  settlers  came  from  their  log 
cabins  and  clearings  far  up  the  valley  that  day,  to  be  met  by  others  from 
the  opposite  side  of  the  Juniata,  and  to  hear,  as  far  as  any  record  war- 
rants us  to  believe,  the  first  sermon  ever  preached  in  the  Tuscarora 
Valley  on  the  Lord's  day.  The  exact  spot  where  the  preacher  stood  is 
not  known;  but  it  requires  little  imagination  to  suppose  that  the  sound 
of  his  voice  in  the  open  air  that  midsummer  Sabbath  might  have  been 
heard  from  where  any  one  of  the  Port  Royal  churches  now  stand. 

In  his  diary,  Mr.  Beatty  says,  "The  audience  appeared  very  attentive 
and  much  engaged.  I  would  fain  hope  that  some  good  impressions 
were  made  upon  the  minds  of  a  number  of  people  who  attended  to-day. 
In  the  afternoon,  being  in  the  open  air,  we  were  Interrupted  by  a  very 
heavy  shower  of  rain,  attended  with  a  high  wind  and  sharp  thunder, 
which  obliged  us  to  take  shelter  in  a  neighboring  house  as  well  as  we 
could.  The  women  and  a  great  part  of  the  men  crowtled  into  it,  and 
there  I  finished  my  tliscoursc.  After  sermon  I  went  to  a  house  about  a 
mile  off  and  baptizeil  a  child,  born  the  last  night,  and  returned  to  Cap- 
tain Patterson's  in  the  evening." 

The  next  day  (Monday)  he  resumed  his  journey  up  the  Juniata, 
"  through  a  bad  road  to  a  place  called  the  Narrows,  where  a  rocky 
mountain  bounds  so  close  upon  the  river  as  to  leave  only  a  small  path 
along  the  bank  for  the  most  part,  and  this,  for  about  ten  miles,  very  un- 
even :  at  this  time  also  greatly  encumbered  by  trees  fallen  across  it,  blown 
up  from  the  roots  some  time  ago  by  a  hard  gale  of  wind,"  so  that  he 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  5 1 

was  obliged  to  walk  some  part  of  the  way,  and  in  some  places  to  go 
along  the  edge  of  the  water. 

But  we  cannot  now  follow  this  pioneer  preacher  on  his  toilsome 
journey  up  the  Juniata  to  the  settlements  beyond;  we  leave  him  for  the 
present  to  pursue  his  journey  with  his  interpreter  and  Indian  guide,  and 
return  to  note  the  progress  of  growth  where  he  had  been  sowing  the 
good  seed  of  the  kingdom  the  week  before. 

Two  years  afterwards  the  name  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Cedar 
Spring  appears  upon  the  records  of  the  Presbyter}-  of  Donegal.  Octo- 
ber I,  1768,  the  congregation  made  a  formal  "supplication"  for  supplies. 
At  the  next  meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  April,  1769,  the  Cedar  Spring 
congregation  joined  with  Tuscarora  in  supplication  for  supplies,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cooper  was  sent  to  these  churches.  Afterwards  a  Mr.  Rhea 
was  called,  but  it  is  not  known  that  he  ever  preached  in  either  church. 

In  1771  the  Rev.  J.  Kennedy  came  to  this  field;  how  long  he  stayed 
is  not  definitely  known,  but  that  he  remained  several  years  may  be  in- 
ferred from  the  mention  of  his  name  in  the  diary  of  a  young  minister 
who  visited  this  place  in  June,  1775. 

The  name  of  this  minister  was  Philip  Vicars  Fithian.  The  brilliant 
diary  of  his  travels  through  these  valleys  one  hundred  and  twenty  years 
ago  is  still  preserved.  He  was  a  graduate  of  the  class  of  1772  in  the 
College  of  New  Jersey,  a  class  noted  for  its  ability  and  the  subsequent 
prominence  of  many  of  its  members, — among  whom  were  Aaron  Burr, 
Vice-President  of  the  United  States,  William  Bradford,  Attorney-General 
of  the  United  States,  and  the  Re\\  William  Linn,  D.D.  Mr.  Fithian 
received  an  appointment  from  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  to  preach  at 
Cedar  Spring,  June  25,  1775. 

His  diar}'  reads  thus  : 

"  Sunday,  June  2j. — Cedar  Springs,  Cumberland  County.  A  large 
and  genteel  society,  but  in  great  and  furious  turmoil  about  one  Mr. 
Kennedy,  who  was  once  their  preacher.  Poor  I  was  frightened.  One 
of  the  society,  when  he  was  asked  to  set  the  tune,  answered  that  he  knew 
not  whether  I  was  a  Papist  or  a  Methodist  or  a  Baptist  or  a  Seceder? 
I  made  him  soon  acquainted  with  my  authority-." 

Mr.  Fithian  was  entertained  on  this  occasion  by  the  writer's  great- 
grandfather, John  Harris,  Esq.,  the  founder  of  Mifflintown,  whose  house 
stood  on  the  bank  of  the  river.  Of  him,  in  his  diary,  he  says,  "  He  lives 
elegantly:  in  the  parlor  where  I  was  sitting  are  three  windows,  each  with 
twenty-four  lights  of  large  glass." 


52 


TJ!E   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


Later  on  in  the  evening  he  says,  "  It  is  now  sunset ;  I  am  now  sitting 
under  a  dark  tuft  of  willows  and  large  sycamores  close  on  the  bank  of 
the  beautiful  river  Juniata.  The  river  near  two  hundred  yards  wide, 
lined  with  willows,  sycamores,  walnuts,  white  oaks,  and  a  fine  bank, — 
what  are  my  thoughts?  Fair  genius  of  this  water,  O  tell  me.  Will  not 
this  in  some  future  time  be  a  vast,  pleasant,  and  very  populous  country? 
Are  not  many  large  towns  to  be  raised  on  these  shady  banks  ?  I  seem 
to  wish  to  be  transferred  forward  only  one  century.  Great  God  !  America 
will  surprise  the  world." 

Whether  Philip  Fithian  would  have  realized  his  dream  had  he  been 
permitted  to  come  back  to  that  spot  after  a  hundred  years  no  one  can 
tell.  But  could  he  have  done  so,  certain  it  is  he  would  not  have  seen 
the  fine  house  in  which  he  was  then  being  entertained, — only  the  place 
where  it  had  stood,  the  house  itself  torn  down,  while  a  little  farther  on 
he  would  have  seen  the  beautiful  village  of  Mifflintown,  its  churches,  its 
schools,  its  court-house,  and  its  one  thousand  inhabitants ;  and  on  the 
very  spot  where  he  was  sitting  the  ruins  of  the  old  Pennsylvania  Canal, 
built  since  he  was  there  before  at  enormous  cost,  but  abandoned  long 
since ;  while  in  front  of  him  and  across  the  river  he  would  have  seen  an 
iron  road  on  which  were  passing  transcontinental  trains  drawn  by  a 
mighty  and  mysterious  power  with  a  swiftness  surpassing  the  fleetness 
of  a  running  horse,  and  bearing  the  traffic  of  the  world. 

The  early  history  of  the  Cedar  Spring  Church  is  singular.  In  1766- 
67  the  congregation  obtained  a  grant  of  two  hundred  acres  of  land 
for  a  glebe.  This  land  afterwards  became  an  occasion  of  disturbance  in 
the  congregation,  and  of  misunderstanding  between  the  people  and  the 
minister,  the  Rev.  Hugh  Magill.  The  Presbytery  sent  a  committee  to 
meet  at  the  church  and  to  assist  in  an  effort  to  effect  a  reconciliation ; 
but  the  committee  found  the  doors  of  the  meeting-house  nailed  up,  and 
reported  to  Presbytery  that  they  could  not  enter. 

In  the  winter  of  1798-99  a  new  church  building  was  begun  on  a  lot 
deeded  to  the  congregation  by  Jean  Harris,  the  widow  of  John  Harris. 
For  some  reason  the  church  was  not  completed  at  that  time.  On  the 
13th  of  February  of  that  year  (1799)  an  act  of  the  Legislature  was 
passed  authorizing  a  number  of  gentlemen  to  act  as  commissioners  to 
"  raise  by  lottery  a  sum  of  money,  not  to  exceed  two  thousand  dollars, 
to  be  applied  to  defraying  the  expenses  of  completing  the  building  of  the 
Presbyterian  Mecting-House  in  Mifflintown."  Dr.  Mathers  says  this 
lottery  was  never  held.     The  church  remained  unfinished  for  more  than 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  53 

five  years.  But  in  1805  the  Rev.  John  Hutchison,  recently  called, 
preached  a  sermon  from  Haggai  i.  4,  "  Is  it  time  for  you,  O  ye,  to  dwell 
in  your  ceiled  houses,  and  this  house  lie  waste?"  The  effect  of  that 
sermon  was  salutary.  The  people  were  roused ;  they  finished  the 
church,  and  they  put  their  hands  into  their  own  pockets  and  paid  for  it. 
Reminding  you  again  that  this  paper  is  only  fragmentary  and  does  not 
claim  to  be  a  complete  history  of  any  community,  I  hasten  on  to  gather 
up  some  of  the  crumbs  of  history,  scattered  long  ago  in  Penn's  Valley. 


PENN  S    VALLEY. 

For  almost  all  the  information  which  is  contained  in  this  paper  about 
the  early  churches  of  Penn's  Valley  the  writer  gratefully  acknowledges 
the  kindness  of  the  Hon.  John  B.  Linn,  of  Bellefonte,  who  generously 
furnished  his  own  historical  notes,  which  have  been  prepared  with  great 
care  and  are  of  exceeding  great  value.  The  writer  is  sure  that  this 
Presbytery  will  join  with  him  in  thanking  the  author  for  the  use  of  his 
manuscript  from  which  he  now  quotes. 

The  vanguard  of  Scotch-Irish  immigration  were  George  McCormick, 
James  Potter,  Joseph  McGrew,  and  John  McMullin,  who  arrived  in  Penn's 
Valley  in  1773-74.  The  first  sermon  ever  delivered  within  the  present 
limits  of  Centre  County  was  at  Captain  (afterwards  General)  Potter's. 
The  Rev.  William  Linn,  coming  not  by  regular  appointment,  but  as  a 
visitor  to  Captain  Potter's  home,  preached  at  his  house  July  23,  1775. 
Mr.  Linn  remained  at  Captain  Potter's  over  the  next  Sabbath,  July  30. 
That  same  Sabbath,  Philip  V.  Fithian,  who  was  then  on  his  rounds  filling 
appointments  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  preached  at  Great  Island 
(now  Lock  Haven).  The  next  Monday  he  rode  up  the  Bald  Eagle 
Creek  and  stopped  overnight,  July  31,  with  Andrew  Boggs,  at  "Bald 
Eagle's  Nest,"  so  called  because  an  Indian  of  the  name  of  Bald  Eagle 
had  built  his  wigwam  there  between  two  trees.  Here,  the  next  morning, 
August  I,  1775,  he  held  a  service  of  prayer  in  the  presence  of  some  In- 
dians and  a  roomful  of  other  people,  no  doubt  the  first  religious  service 
held  by  any  minister  in  what  is  now  the  borough  of  Milesburg. 

The  next  Sabbath  found  Mr.  Fithian  at  the  house  of  Captain  James 
Potter,  where  he  had  an  appointment  to  preach  that  day.  In  his  journal 
he  tells  his  own  story  in  the  following  fashion, — viz.,  "  Sunday  Aug.  6th 
1775,  I  rise  early,  before  any  of  the  family,  except  the  negro  girl.  Just 
at  my  bed  head  a  window  under  which  stands  a  table.     Here  I  laid  my 


54  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

clean  linen  finished  last  night  by  Mrs.  Potter.  The  night  had  been  very 
stormy.  When  I  awoke,  I  found  a  large  dog  had  jumped  in  through  an 
open  of  the  window,  and  had  softly  bedded  himself  dripping  with  water 
and  mud  among  my  clean  washed  clothes.  At  first  I  was  enraged,  I 
bore  it  however  with  a  sabbath  day's  moderation. 

"  At  one,  we  commenced  services  in  Capt.  Potter's  house,  Only  eight 
men  and  not  one  woman  besides  the  family  present.  We  had  in  the 
morning  a  most  \iolent  storm,  I  preached  two  sermons,  with  onh-  ten 
minutes  intermission — a  most  violent,  boisterous  day.  My  little  con- 
gregation heard  with  eagerness.  Capt.  Potter  tells  me,  there  are  only 
twenty  eight  (28)  families  in  the  valley;  twenty  two  (22)  of  these  are 
subscribers,  and  they  have  raised  £d^o  (equal  to  $5.00  per  family)  to  pay 
supplies." 

The  formation  of  a  Presbyterian  society  in  the  Penn's  Valley  may 
be  confidently  predicated  as  of  the  year  1775;  for  the  following  j^ear. 
May  22,  1776,  application  was  made  to  the  Synod  of  New  York  and 
Philadelphia  by  the  Presbyterian  Society  for  supplies.  (See  Records  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.) 

The  families  forming  the  congregation  were  the  Allenders,  Arthurs, 
Caldwells,  Davis,  John  Hall,  Hustons,  Livingstons,  McCormicks,  Mc- 
Dowells, McGrews,  McMullins,  McVicars,  Moores,  Orrs,  Captain  Pot- 
ter, Reeds,  Reynolds,  Thomas  Thompson,  William  Thompson,  Sr.,  John 
Watson,  Wilsons,  and  George  Woods.  No  records  of  this  early  society 
have  been  preserved  ;  but  George  McCormick,  John  Watson,  and  George 
Woods  were  of  the  early  elders. 

In  the  fall  of  1777,  Robert  McKim,  a  stanch  Presbyterian,  came  into 
the  valley.  He  was  precentor, — that  is,  leader  of  the  congregation  in 
the  Psalmody. 

Like  other  congregations  of  the  period,  there  was  probably  no  formal 
organization  of  the  congregation ;  hence  the  term  "  societj'"  assumed  or 
applied  to  frontier  congregations.  Usually  elders,  ordained  elsewhere, 
were  of  the  early  settlers ;  to  these  the  people  paid  respect  and  gathered 
about  for  worship.  A  paper  was  circulated  for  subscriptions  for  supplies, 
and  the  supplies,  finding  the  people  thus  banded  together,  proceeded  to 
preach  the  word  and  administer  the  ordinances  without  disturbing  the 
voluntary  organizations.     Such,  at  least,  is  the  tradition. 

At  that  time  the  centre  of  the  Presbyterian  community  was  Spring 
Mills,  and  the  congregation  was  known  afterwards  as  East  Penn's  Valley 
Congregation.     We  have  no  record  of  the  erection  of  a  house  of  worship 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDON.  55 

prior  to  the  abandonment  of  the  valley  in  1779  in  consequence  of  Indian 

raids. 

The  inhabitants  returned  in  17S4,  and  soon  afterwards  the  Log 
Church  comes  into  notice :  the  first  in  the  valley  and  count\^  of  any  de- 
nomination. Its  site,  a  little  east  of  Penn  Hall,  is  sentinelled  by  the  lone 
marble  slab  of  its  first  regular  pastor,  the  Rev.  James  Martin. 

Soon  after  the  return  of  the  people,  the  congregation,  by  reason  of 
the  extent  of  the  territory  occupied,  naturally  separated  into  the  congre- 
gations of  East  and  West  Penn's  Valley,  and  so  appears  in  the  records. 
To  accommodate  the  West  Penn's  Valley,  General  James  Potter  gave  ten 
acres  of  ground  for  a  church  and  burial  purposes,  near  the  present  site 
of  Linden  Hall.  Logs  were  hewn  and  hauled  for  a  church,  but  a  dis- 
pute arising  about  the  location  of  the  building,  the  church  was  never 
roofed;  and  the  graveyard,  where  lie  some  of  the  Potters,  Kings,  and 
Culbertsons,  only  remains  to  indicate  where  the  Cedar  Creek  Church 
was,  in  part,  erected. 

The  first  settled  pastor  within  the  present  bounds  of  Centre  County 
was  the  Rev.  James  Martin.  He  accepted  a  call  from  East  and  West 
Penn's  Valley,  Warrior  Marks,  and  Half  Moon  congregations  April  15, 
1789.  He  removed  and  lived  on  what  has  long  been  known  as  the 
Musser  Place,  Gregg  Township,  a  little  east^vard  of  Penn  Hall;  and  the 
East  Penn's  Valley  Church  was  erected  on  his  land.  The  West  Penn's 
Valley  part  of  Mr.  Martin's  charge  originally  covered  the  territor>-  occu- 
pied by  Cedar  Creek  and  Spring  Creek,  with  the  head  of  Cedar  Creek 
as  its  location  for  preaching.  But  soon  after  Mr.  Martin's  settlement, 
population  increasing  rapidly,  Spring  Creek  or  a  point  on  the  Slab  Cabm 
Branch  of  Spring  Creek  was  also  chosen  as  a  place  or  station  for  preach- 
ing. At  that  time  what  had  been  called  the  West  Penn's  Valley  congre- 
gation resolved  itself  into  the  two  churches  called  Cedar  Creek  and 
Spring  Creek,  and  the  name  of  West  Penn's  Valley  was  dropped,  as  the 
name^of  Cedar  Creek  was  subsequently,  all,  or  nearly  all,  being  absorbed 
by  Spring  Creek,  with  a  few  families  going  to  Sinking  Creek  in  the 
bounds  of  what  was  the  territory  of  the  East  Penn's  Valley  congrega- 
tion. 

David  Whitehill  came  into  the  valley  and  settled  near  the  end  of 
Nittany  Mountain  in  the  year  1789.  and  soon  after  presented  a  site  for  a 
church  and  burial-ground  on  the  Slab  Cabin  Branch  of  Spring  Creek, 
where  a  church  was  soon  after  erected.  Among  its  first  elders  were 
David  Whitehill,  Esq.,  Thomas  Ferguson  (after\vards  Judge  Ferguson), 


56  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

David  Barr,  and  George  McCormick,  who  had  removed  from  Spring  Mills 
to  the  Slab  Cabin  neighborhood. 

On  the  9th  of  April,  1794,  the  Rev.  David  Wiley  was  installed  pastor 
of  Cedar  Creek  and  Spring  Creek  congregations.  Among  the  members 
of  his  congregation  in  1794  were  Hon.  Adam  Gregg,  David  McKim, 
Samuel  Wilson,  Peter  Wilson,  M.  Long,  James  Graham,  Samuel  Graham, 
Thomas  Sanke)*,  James  Potter,  John  Reynolds,  William  Reynolds,  John 
Mayberry,  James  Cook,  William  Pastorius,  George  Robinson,  John  Bar- 
ker, Esq.,  Henry  Thompson,  James  Wilson,  and  John  Pedan. 

The  next  prominent  event  was  the  convening  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Huntingdon  in  the  East  Penn's  Valley  Church  (Mr.  Martin's),  on  the  14th 
of  April,  1795. 

Huntingdon  Presb\"ter)'  was  formed  under  the  direct  authority  of  the 
General  Assembly,  and  its  first  meeting  was  directed  to  be  held  on  "  the 
second  Tuesday,  14th  of  April,  1795,  at  Mr.  Martin's  church,  in  Penn's 
Valley."  Accordingly  it  was  constituted  in  that  church,  by  the  Rev. 
John  Hoge,  after  he  had  preached  from  John  i.  12,  "  But  as  many  as 
received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even 
to  them  that  believe  on  his  name." 

Two  months  and  si.x  days  after  the  convening  of  the  Presbytery^ 
June  20,  1795,  the  Rev.  James  Martin  died.  His  grave  is  the  only  one 
marked  in  the  old  graveyard  on  the  Musser  farm,  where  the  East  Penn's 
Valley  congregation  worshipped,  and  the  spot  where  the  Huntingdon 
Presbj^ery  was  cradled. 

On  the  slab  covering  his  remains  is  inscribed, — 

"  Here  lies  the  body  of  the  Rev.  James  Martin,  Pastor  of  the  first 
Presbyterian  Congregation  in  Penn's  Valley,  who  died  June  20th.  1795. 
aged  about  65  years. 

"  Deep  was  the  wound,  O  Death,  and  vastly  wide, 
When  he  resigned  his  useful  breath  and  died, 
Ve  sacred  tribes  with  pious  sorrow  mourn. 
And  drop  a  tear  at  your  dear  Pastor's  urn. 

"  Cuncealed  a  moment  from  our  longing  eyes, 

Beneath  this  stone  his  mortal  body  lies. 

]Iappy,  the  spirit  lives;  and  will,  we  trust. 

In  bliss  associate  with  his  pious  dust." 

Mr.  Martin  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  emigrated  to  America  in 
1774.     He  was  enrolled  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  June 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  57 

l8,  1777.  At  the  time  of  his  death  his  congregation  embraced  more 
members  than  any  other  charge  in  Huntingdon  Presbytery.  He  is  said 
to  have  been  an  able,  earnest,  orthodox,  and  popular  preacher.  Gibson's 
History  contains  a  sketch  of  his  life.  The  Hon.  Martin  Bell,  now  presi- 
dent judge  of  Blair  County,  Pennsylvania,  is  a  representative  of  his 
descendants  now  living. 

After  Mr.  Martin's  death  the  name  of  the  East  Penn's  Valley  con- 
gregation disappears  from  the  records,  and  that  of  Sinking  Creek  takes 
its  place,  under  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Wiley,  in  connection  with  Spring 
Creek. 

On  the  4th  of  October,  1797,  Mr.  Wiley  resigned  his  connection  with 
Sinking  Creek  ;  the  congregation  was  declared  vacant,  and  on  the  I2th 
of  May,  1799,  he  was  released  from  Spring  Creek,  in  both  instances  at 
his  own  request,  and  with  the  consent  of  the  respective  congregations. 

EAST    AND    WEST    KISHACOQUILLAS. 

The  churches  of  East  and  West  Kishacoquillas  stand  forth  next  in 
historical  mention.  Land  was  surveyed  in  the  valley  in  1755,  but  owing 
to  the  Indian  raids  and  the  French  war  no  permanent  settlements  were 
made  until  about  twenty  years  later. 

On  Sunday,  August  13,  1775,  the  next  Sabbath  after  Philip  V.  Fithian 
had  preached  at  Captain  Potter's  in  Penn's  Valley,  the  same  minister 
preached  to  the  East  Kishacoquillas  Congregation.  In  his  diary  of  this 
date  he  says,  "  There  is  a  large  society  and  it  makes  a  good  appearance. 
"We  were  in  the  forenoon  in  a  large  barn ;  it  was  too  small,  and  we  went 
into  a  fine  meadow  (the  meadow  of  Judge  Brown),  opposite  the  present 
village  of  Reedsville,  Mifflin  County.  I  am  told  the  people  of  this  vil- 
lage are  all  united  in  religious  matters — all  Presbyterians,  and  all  or- 
thodox, primitive  Presbyterians  too,  all  except  eight  sour  unbrotherly 
Seceders,  and  a  sociable  and  agreeable  churchman,  Mr.  Landrum.  For 
supply  Esquire  Brown  gave  me  20  shillings  9  pence." 

The  next  Sabbath  Mr.  Fithian  preached  (August  20,  1775)  in  West 
Kishacoquillas,  in  a  barn  of  Robert  Brotherton  (or  Brokerton),  twice. 
For  this  supply  John  McDowell  gave  him  twenty  shillings. 

For  a  period  of  eight  years  there  is  no  other  mention  of  preaching  in 
that  valley,  but  a  call  bearing  date  of  March  15,  1783,  and  still  preserved, 
with  the  names  of  sixty-nine  of  the  members  of  the  two  congregations 
of  East  and  West  Kishacoquillas,  for  the  pastoral  services  of  the  Rev. 


58  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

James  Johnston,  makes  it  clear  that  at  that  time  there  were  two  strong 
congregations  already  organized,  and  were  provided  with  places  of 
worship. 

A  description  of  the  first  church  of  East  Kishacoquillas  is  given  in 
the  historical  sermon  of  the  Rev.  Andrew  H.  Parker,  pastor  of  that 
church,  and  delivered  in  the  year  1883,  which  is  in  part  as  follows, — 
viz. :  "  It  was  a  rough  log  building  one  story  high,  without  any  plaster- 
ing, without  any  floor,  and  without  any  fireplace  or  provision  made  for 
heating.  It  had  windows  on  each  side  of  the  door,  on  the  opposite 
side,  and  perhaps  at  each  end ;  but  the  lights  were  small  and  few  in 
number.  The  seats  were  slab  benches  made  of  split  logs  without  backs. 
The  coldest  season  of  the  year  the  minister  had  to  preach,  and  the  peo- 
ple came  to  hear  him  with  their  overcoats  buttoned  up  to  their  chins. 
And  seldom  were  the  sermons  less  than  an  hour  and  a  half,  and  often 
much  longer.  Judge  Kyle  stated,  at  one  time  in  particular,  whilst  a 
boy,  he  came  a  straight  course  through  the  fields,  with  snow-shoes,  on 
snow  over  the  tops  of  the  fences,  to  attend  church  in  the  old  log  meet- 
ing-house, and  not  a  spark  of  fire,  much  less  fireplace  or  stove,  in  the 
house.  The  pastor  stood  up  manfully  to  his  work,  with  surtout  but- 
toned to  his  chin,  preaching  to  a  full  house,  and  not  a  shiver  or  shake 
among  the  entire  congregation,  although  the  mercury  was  near  zero  at 
the  time." 

Contrast  that  scene  with  the  elegant,  beautiful,  and  comfortable  church 
in  which  the  sessions  of  this  Presbytery  were  held  six  months  ago,  and 
it  will  help  us  to  measure,  in  some  degree  at  least,  "  the  great  things 
which  the  Lord  hath  done  for  us." 

CHURCHES    ALONG    THE   JUNIATA,    WEST    OF    LEWISTOWN. 

The  history  of  the  churches  along  the  Juniata,  west  of  Lewistown, 
begins  with  the  visit  of  the  Rev.  Charles  Beatty,  August  26,  1766.  On 
that  day,  Tuesday,  he  preached  to  "  a  considerable  number  of  people, 
collected  together  at  a  place  in  the  woods,  where  a  mill  was  building, 
near  to  which  a  house  of  worship  is  intended  to  be  built,  as  being  most 
essential  to  the  inhabitants  of  those  parts." 

The  preaching  place  here  mentioned  is  supposed  to  be  near  the  old 
Bratton  graveyard,  and  here  a  few  years  later  a  log  church  was  built. 
The  tradition  is  still  retained  in  old  families  that  the  Rev.  Charles  Beatty 
preached  the  first  sermon  ever  preached  in  that  neighborhood  in  that 
place,  near  to  which  the  Brattons  had  a  saw-mill. 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  59 

Referring  again  to  Mr.  Beatty's  diary  we  read,  "  While  the  people 
were  convening  it  began  to  rain,  and  the  rain  continuing,  obliged  as 
many  as  could  to  crowd  into  a  small  house.  While  I  was  preaching 
and  the  people  were  \ery  attentive,  we  were  alarmed  by  a  rattlesnake 
creeping  into  the  house  among  the  people,  supposed  to  have  gotten  in 
under  the  logs  of  the  house,  it  being  prett>'  open.  But  this  venomous 
creature  was  happily  discovered,  and  killed  before  it  did  any  damage. 
Scarcely  were  the  people  composed  again,  before  we  were  alarmed  anew 
by  a  snake  of  another  kind  being  discovered  among  the  people,  which 
was  also  killed,  without  any  detriment,  besides  disturbing  us.  The 
providence  of  God  appeared  very  remarkable  in  preser\-ing  us  from  the 
venom  of  the  creatures,  and  more  so,  as  these  people  were  so  crowded 
together,  as  that  it  might  be  a  just  matter  of  wonder  how  these  creatures 
could  crawl  through  the  congregation  without  being  in  some  way 
offended  by  them,  which  always  excites  them  to  bite. 

"  However  the  auditors  all  got  composed  again,  and  were  attentive 
the  remaining  part  of  the  discourse,  which  was  the  first  sermon  ever 
preached  in  these  parts. 

"  Here  I  baptized  several  children,  and  after  sermon  rode  about  four 
and  a  half  miles  with  one  of  the  audience  and  lodged  at  his  house." 

The  next  early  notice  of  preaching  in  this  region  we  find  in  a  state- 
ment furnished  the  historian  of  the  Juniata  Valley  by  William  P.  Elliott, 
of  Lewistown.  From  his  statement  it  appears  that  "  On  the  24th  of 
May,  1 78 1,  David  Steele  conveyed  to  James  Huston,  Thomas  Martin, 
and  Robert  Chambers,  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  Congregation,  two 
acres  of  land  on  the  north  side  of  the  Juniata  River,  in  consideration 
of  '  fiveteen'  bushels  of  good  sufficient  merchantable  wheat,  with  the 
privilege  of  the  use  of  the  head  of  the  spring  of  water,  arising  on  the 
northwest  side  of  the  said  forementioned  tract  or  lot  of  ground ;  and 
also  for  liberty  for  a  road  from  the  said  tract  to  the  present  landing  of 
him  the  said  David  Steele,  and  what  other  roads  may  be  necessar>-  for 
the  other  parts  of  the  said  congregation  to  come  from  the  '  great  trading 
road'  to  the  said  lot  or  tract  of  ground ;  likewise  the  said  David  Steele 
doth  grant  as  much  timber  as  will  be  sufficient  to  build  a  house  of  wor- 
ship and  study  house  on  the  said  lot  or  tract  of  ground,  and  to  allow 
privilege  of  firewood  from  time  to  time  and  at  all  times,  that  may  be 
necessary  for  the  use  of  said  house  of  worship  and  study  house." 

Upon  this  lot  a  log  church  was  built  and  a  graveyard  enclosed.     It 
is  now  on  the  farm  of  James  Shepherd.     The  logs  of  the  church  were 


6o  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Still  there,  about  three  or  four  feet  high,  in  1836.  The  burial-ground 
contains  many  graves,  among  which  are  the  families  of  the  Armstrongs, 
Lyons,  Mienhart,  Steele,  Rittenhouse,  Gemmill,  and  others.  The  church 
was  in  use  many  years.  William  P.  Elliott  says  that  "  the  Rev.  Matthew 
Stephens  used  to  preach  in  this  log  church  and  in  the  loft  of  the  still- 
house  on  Archibald  Moore's  farm,  now  owned  by  William  A.  Moore  in 
Oliver  Township." 

The  accuracy  of  the  above  statement  of  William  P.  Elliott  has  been 
questioned.  Dr.  Gibson's  History  of  the  Presbytery  does  not  mention  it. 
Mr.  William  A.  Moore,  who  was  born  February  4,  1804,  is  still  living; 
but  though  born  and  raised  on  the  farm  where  the  still-house  is  said  to 
have  stood,  he  has  no  recollection  of  having  ever  seen  or  heard  of  it. 

Possibly  Mr.  Stephens  might  have  preached  in  a  still-house  loft  else- 
where ;  but  in  regard  to  the  church  described  as  being  on  the  farm  of 
Mr.  Shepherd,  the  minuteness  of  Mr.  Elliott's  statement  about  it  and  the 
graveyard  adjoining  would  render  it  easy  to  test  its  accuracy,  both  as 
to  whether  there  was  such  a  church  and  the  site  on  which  it  stood.  The 
writer  is  not  familiar  with  the  locality,  and  has  not  had  opportunity  to 
visit  it. 

All  this  region  was  in  Mr.  Stephens's  time  included  in  Wayne  Town- 
ship. It  is  known  that  Mr.  Stephens  resided  in  Wayne  Township  from 
1785  to  1795,  on  land  now  included  in  Bratton  Township.  He  probably 
preached  during  that  decade  at  points  along  the  river,  extending  from 
Jack's  Narrows  to  the  Lewistown  Narrows.  At  the  time  the  Presbytery 
was  organized,  in  1795,  he  was  holding  a  call  from  "  Upper  and  Central 
Wayne."  "  Central  Wayne"  has  since  been  known  as  McVeytown.  But 
the  terms  "  Upper  and  Central"  imply  that  there  was  probably  a  Lower 
Wayne,  which  may  have  been  the  church  here  referred  to. 

UP   THE    RIVER. 

Still  following  the  banks  of  the  Juniata,  we  find  that  the  next  surging 
of  the  tide  of  Scotch-Irish  immigration  sends  its  top  wave  far  up  the 
stream  past  "  Standing  Stone"  into  the  lateral  valleys  of  Hart's  Log, 
Shaver's  Creek,  Sinking  Valley,  Spruce  Creek,  Warrior  Marks,  and  Half 
Moon.  In  the  two  valleys  last  named  it  was  met  by  the  advancing  swell 
of  population  coming  up  Penn's  Valley  from  the  east,  and  which,  as  we 
have  already  seen,  was  soon  after,  in  the  year  1789,  provided  for  and 
united  with  West  Penn's  Valley  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev. 
James  Martin. 


^M.*^  AAA.        V 


HART  S    LOC. 


THIS  TOKEN  HAS  ON  THE  EDGE  OR   RIM  THIS  INSCRIPTION  : 
'hT  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  OF  CHARLESTON,   S.   C,    180O." 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  6l 


HART  S    LOG. 

But  without  doubt,  prior  to  the  arrangement  referred  to  above,  Hart's 
Log  was  the  centre  for  Presbyterian  effort  for  all  this  region.  The  time 
of  the  earliest  existence  of  a  congregation  at  that  point  is  fixed  as  not 
later  than  1786.  An  old  account  of  that  date  has  been  found  with 
"  JVIr.  John  Spencer,  for  building  a  house  of  worship  for  the  Hart's  Log 
Congregation." 

The  Rev.  John  C.  Barr,  in  his  historical  sermon,  gives  several  good 
reasons  why  he  believes  there  was  preaching,  even  at  an  earlier  date, 
the  last  of  which  reasons  is  this, — viz.,  "  The  older  people  yet  among  us 
who  worshipped  at  Hart's  Log  say  they  remember  two  trees  in  which 
notches  had  been  cut,  and  to  which  a  board  had  been  fastened  for  the 
purpose  of  making  a  preaching  desk  for  the  minister,  and  from  the 
changes  in  these  notches  in  the  growth  of  the  trees  as  they  remember 
them,  they  infer  that  they  had  been  made  many  years  before  that  time, 
and,  as  Mr.  Barr  asks,  '  Why  made  at  all  if  at  the  time  they  had  a  house 
in  which  to  preach  ?'  " 

One  year  later  the  Hart's  Log  congregation  joined  with  the  Shaver's 
Creek  congregation  in  a  call  for  the  pastoral  services  of  the  Rev.  John 
Johnston.  That  same  year  (1787)  the  Hart's  Log  people  determined  to 
repair  the  church  according  to  the  following  specifications, — namely, 
"  To  lay  a  floor,  have  six  large  windows  and  one  small  one,  to  have  a  door 
made,  and  to  have  it  daubed  and  underpinned,  also  to  have  a  convenient 
place  or  pulpit  for  the  minister,  and  a  table." 

Hart's  Log  has  been  called  a  "  Mother  of  Churches."  For  although 
it  is  known  that  in  1786  there  were  Presbyterians  scattered  through  all 
these  valleys,  it  was  not  till  one  year  later  (1787)  that  Shaver's  Creek 
was  strong  enough  to  make  herself  heard  in  a  cry  for  the  gospel,  and 
three  years  later  (1789)  that  Warrior  Marks,  Half  Moon,  and  Hunting- 
don were  supplied  with  the  preached  word.  All  these  churches,  as  well 
as  Spruce  Creek  and  Sinking  Valley,  derived  a  considerable  portion  of 
their  strength  from  Hart's  Log.  Huntingdon  at  the  beginning  was  only 
an  outpost  of  that  congregation,  and  shared  the  services  of  the  same 
pastor,  the  Rev.  John  Johnston. 

Alexandria  is  also  an  offshoot  of  Hart's  Log,  and  when  the  Williams- 
burg Church  was  organized,  most  of  the  thirty-five  original  members 
were  communicating  members  of  the  Hart's  Log  Church.  (The  writer, 
through  the  kindness  of  the   Rev.  A.  H.  Jolly,  a  former  pastor  of  the 


62  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Alexandria  Church,  is  the  fortunate  possessor  of  a  "token"*  once  used 
on  sacramental  occasions  in  this  old  historic  church.) 

WARRIOR   MARKS.t 

But  although  Hart's  Log  appears  to  have  flourished  to  a  degree  be- 
yond all  the  neighboring  communities  of  that  time,  yet  it  is  certain  there 
was  occasional  preaching  at  Warrior  Marks  as  early,  if  not  a  few  months 
earlier  than  at  Hart's  Log. 

Matthew  Stephens  preached  at  Warrior  Marks  the  fourth  Sabbath  of 
June,  1786,  Mr.  Wilson,  a  licentiate,  six  weeks  later,  and  a  Mr.  Caldwell, 
"  a  probationer  from  Ireland,"  the  third  Sabbath  of  May,  1788.  The 
spot  where  this  preaching  took  place  was  two  miles  southeast  of  the 
present  village  of  Warrior  Marks,  a  short  distance  west  of  the  Dry  Hol- 
low ore-bank,  and  easily  located  by  two  springs  (the  only  springs  in  the 
Dr>'  Hollow)  which  rise  near  it.  The  site  of  the  old  church  was  pointed 
out  to  the  writer  in  1876.  It  was  then  all  overgrown  with  small  oak- 
trees  ;  but  a  slight  rise  in  the  surface  of  the  ground  indicated  where  the 
church  stood.  Stone  markers  at  the  head  and  feet  of  a  number  of  graves 
were  still  standing. 

The  location  of  this  church  was  evidently  a  compromise,  a  half-way 
meeting  place  between  the  widely  separated  communities  of  Spruce 
Creek,  Sinking  Valley,  and  Half  Moon.  It  was  not  long,  however,  until 
Spruce  Creek  and  Sinking  Valley  had  meeting-houses  of  their  own  nearer 
home,  and  in  1798  they  were  united  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev. 
Samuel  Brj^son,  who  was  ordained  and  installed  over  these  congregations 
at  a  meeting  of  Presbytery,  held  at  the  house  of  Robert  McCartney,  on 
the  hill  north  of  the  present  village  of  Franklinville,  November  20,  of 
that  year. 


*  Tokens  at  the  communion  season  were  in  common  use  in  most  of  the  churches  of  this 
Presbytery  as  late  as  1850,  about  which  time  their  use  was  discontinued.  Like  the  Hart's  Log 
token  here  represented,  they  were  simply  a  leaden  disk  with  the  initials  of  the  name  of  the 
church  and  sometimes  of  the  pastor  stamped  upon  it.  The  writer  has  seen  a  token  of  the 
Lewistown  Church  which  was  made  of  sheet  brass.  But  not  any  of  the  tokens  of  churches 
within  this  Presbytery  rivalled  the  beauty  of  the  token  of  the  First  Church  of  Charleston,  South 
Carolina.  This  was  of  silver.  The  original  of  the  impression  here  given  is  now  in  possession 
of  the  Rev.  Harvey  Grxme  Furbay,  Ph.D.  Another  is  in  possession  of  Robert  Shiells,  and 
is  fully  described  in  his  admirably  told  "Story  of  the  Token,"  published  by  John  Ireland, 
1 197  Broadway,  New  York. 

f  Originally  spelled  as  above,  but  now  Warrior's  Mark. 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  63 

HOLLIDAYSBURG. 

Returning  again  to  the  Juniata,  and  tracing  the  principal  branch 
towards  its  source  in  tlie  AUeghanies,  we  find  that  in  1768  two  cousins, 
WiUiam  and  Adam  Holliday,  entered  and  took  possession  of  separate 
tracts  of  one  thousand  acres  each,  including  that  on  which  the  town  of 
Holiidaysburg  now  stands.  These  men  were  Presbyterians,  they  came 
from  Mercersburg.  Two  years  afterwards  their  pastor,  the  Rev.  John 
King,  was  sent  as  a  supply  to  the  "  destitute  settlements  of  the  Upper 
Juniata,"  and  preached  in  the  house  of  William  Holliday,  near  Franks- 
town.  Dr.  King  was  followed  by  Rev.  Mr.  Dougal,  and  perhaps  other 
supplies  occasionally  until  1788,  about  which  time  the  church  of  Holii- 
daysburg (then  called  Frankstown)  was  organized.  The  first  pastor  of 
this  church  was  the  Rev.  David  Bard,  who  also  supplied  the  Presbyterian 
community  at  Williamsburg  at  stated  times.  He  was  elected  to  the  first 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  represented  his  congressional  district 
for  twenty-two  consecutive  years,  attending  Congress  during  the  winter, 
and  preaching  during  the  rest  of  the  year.  He  was  pastor  of  the  Franks- 
town  Church  at  the  time  of  the  organization  of  the  Presbytery,  and 
October,  1799,  was  allowed  to  resign  his  charge  at  that  place.  After 
this  he  was  the  stated  supply  of  the  Sinking  Valley  Church  up  to  the 
time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  at  Alexandria  on  his  return  home 
from  Congress,  March  12,  1815,  at  the  home  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Dr. 
Buchanan.  His  remains  lie  in  Sinking  Valley  cemetery  near  Arch 
Spring. 

I  have  now  traced  the  growth  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  from 
the  Tuscarora  to  the  Alleghanies,  and  in  the  order  of  time  I  have  only 
reached  the  beginning  of  the  present  century. 

It  was  some  time  afterwards  that  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  en- 
tered the  county  of  Clearfield,  and  that  part  of  Centre  which  lies  beyond 
the  mountains. 

CLEARFIELD. 

In  April,  1803,  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  appointed  the  Rev. 
William  Stuart  to  visit  Chincleclamoose  one  day  at  his  discretion  and 
preach.  At  the  same  meeting  a  similar  appointment  was  made  for  Rev. 
Henry  R.  Wilson,  of  Bellefonte. 

In  1 806  the  General  Assembly  sent  fifty  copies  of  the  Shorter  Cate- 
chism to  the  Presbytery,  with  orders  to  distribute  them.  The  Presbytery 
instructed  the  Rev.  William  Stuart  to  take  twenty-five  copies  to  Chin- 


64  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

cleclamoose,  Rev.  Henry  R.  Wilson  to  scatter  twelves  copies  along  the 
Bald  Eagle  Creek,  and  the  Rev.  Isaac  Grier  to  spread  the  remaining 
thirteen  above  the  Great  Island.  Some  time  afterwards  the  Rev.  James 
Linn,  of  Bellcfonte,  was  sent  into  the  same  region  to  preach  and  to 
catechise.  Whether  the  seed  thus  sown  and  carefully  cultivated  has  ever 
yielded  its  proper  harvest  history  does  not  state,  but  the  numerous  and 
flourishing  churches  in  the  region  described  would  seem  to  encourage 
the  continued  circulation  of  the  Shorter  Catechism  and  the  faithful  cate- 
chising of  the  people  therein. 

There  are  many  fragments  of  local  and  biographical  history  which 
still  remain  to  be  gathered.  The  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  is  a  fruitful 
field,  abundant  in  incident  illustrative  of  the  heroic  self-sacrifice  of  the 
people  and  the  faithful  devotion  of  the  ministers.  During  the  century 
God  blessed  the  churches  with  many  seasons  of  refreshing.  Children 
were  born  who  under  the  sound  of  the  gospel  grew  up  to  strong  man- 
hood and  fair  womanhood,  lived  in  the  fear  of  God,  passed  on  to  old  age, 
and  went  up  to  heaven,  of  whom  many  a  shining  chapter  might  be  writ- 
ten.    But  I  must  not  trespass  further  upon  your  time  and  patience. 

Permit  one  other  reference  and  I  close.  There  is  a  vacant  seat  in  the 
Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  to-day;  there  is  a  vacancy  on  the  Centennial 
Committee,  and  there  is  a  vacancy  on  the  programme.  George  Elliott, 
that  genial,  kindly,  noble  brother  whose  hearty  hand-shake,  cheerful 
voice,  and  beaming  eye  brought  sunshine  into  all  our  hearts  and  homes, 
is  not  here.  With  what  enthusiasm  he  looked  forward  to  this  occasion, 
and  labored  for  its  success !  But  he  died  in  the  midst  of  his  labors,  a 
soldier  of  the  cross  of  Jesus,  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  to  him  it  has 
been  given  to  celebrate  the  centennial  of  this  Presbytery  in  "  the  General 
Assembly  and  church  of  the  First-born,  which  are  written  in  heaven." 


SOURCES   OF   PRESBYTERIANISM   IN    HUNTINGDON 

PRESBYTERY. 

D.   W.   WOODS,   ESQ. 

The  subject  assigned  to  me  confines  my  address  to  the  period  before 
the  organization  of  this  Presbytery. 

To  write  or  speak  about  "  The  Sources  of  Presbyterianism  in  the 
Huntingdon  Presbytery"  before  1795,  when  it  was  organized,  is  a  difficult 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  65 

matter  to  do,  owing  to  the  want  of  official  records  and  the  fact  that  no 
one  is  now  living  who  could  furnish  any  information  on  the  subject. 

I  here  desire  to  acknowledge  the  aid  received  from  General  James 
A.  Beaver,  John  B.  Linn,— through  General  Beaver,— Hon.  William  M. 
Hall,  Rev.  Geo.  B.  Stewart,  and  Rev.  Robt.  F.  Wilson. 

According  to  my  judgment  the  only  true  source  of  Presbyterianism 
in  this  Presbytery,  or  anywhere  else,  is  the  teaching  of  the  apostles  as 
found  in  the  divine  word.  But  this,  I  take  it,  is  not  what  the  Committee 
intended,  but  rather  the  means  or  causes  which  led  to  the  establishing  of 
Presbyterianism  within  our  bounds.  The  territory  now  embraced  in  the 
Huntingdon  Presbytery  was  at  one  time  part  of  Donegal  Presbytery,  and 
afterwards  part  of  Carlisle  Presbytery. 

A  great  many  of  the  early  settlers  were  Scotch  and  Scotch-Irish 
Presbyterians,  and  some  also  of  the  Huguenots.  These  men  brought 
their  Bibles  and  religion  with  them,  and  as  soon  as  they  had  built  their 
rude  and  primitive  homes  to  shelter  them  and  their  families,  and  there 
was  a  sufficient  number  of  them,  they  proceeded  to  erect  a  church  and  a 
school-house. 

Our  forefathers  believed  in  education,  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  the 
Shorter  Catechism.  Nor  were  these  frontier  settlements  neglected  by  the 
Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  and  the  Presbyteries  of  Donegal 

and  Carlisle. 

In  the  summer  of  1766  the  Rev.  Charles  Beatty  and  Rev.  George 
Duffield  were  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  to 
make  a  missionary  tour  through  all  this  section. 

By  the  journal  of  Rev.  Charles  Beatty  we  find  they  came  over  the 
mountains  from  Carli.sle,  preached  in  Tuscarora  Valley  in  the  woods  near 
what  is  now  Academia,  in  August,  1766,  and  also  to  the  Cedar  Spring 
congregation,  August  22,  1766,  and  lodged  with  Captain  James  Patter- 
sonr  August  23,  who  was  a  leading  man  and  prominent  Presbyterian. 
At  this  point  these  ministers  separated;  Rev.  George  Duffield  went  to 
Path  Valley  and  Rev.  Charles  Beatty  came  up  the  Juniata  to  Mifflin 
County.  The  first  attempt,  so  far  as  known,  to  erect  a  church  in  what  is 
now  Juniata  County  was  made  in  1762  or  1763,  at  Cedar  Spring;  but 
before  it  was  completed  the  settlers  were  driven  off  by  the  Indians  and 
compelled  to  flee  to  Carlisle  and  other  places  of  refuge. 

About  the  year  1766  or  1767,  and  after  the  visit  of  the  two  mis- 
sionaries spoken  of,  another  and  larger  church  building  was  erected  near 
the  site  of  the  old  one,  and  an  order  of  survey.  No.  3268,  for  two  hundred 

5 


66  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

acres  of  land  was  procured  from  tlie  Land  Office  "  in  trust  for  a  Presby- 
terian meeting-house  and  graveyard."  The  meeting-house  was  built 
upon  this  land,  and  was  used  by  the  congregation  until  about  1799,  when 
the  congregations  of  Mifflintown  and  Lost  Creek  each  built  a  house  of 
worship,  and  the  old  meeting-house  was  abandoned. 

The  first  official  notice  of  Cedar  Spring  congregation  i.s  found  in  the 
records  of  Donegal  Presbyterj',  October  I,  1768,  at  which  time  Cedar 
Spring  congregation  made  application  for  supplies.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Cooper  was  appointed. 

In  April,  1769,  a  joint  application  was  received  by  the  same  Presby- 
tery from  Tuscarora  and  Cedar  Spring  congregations  for  a  supply. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Cooper  was  again  appointed,  and  served  both  congrega- 
tions. At  the  April  meeting  of  Presbytery,  1771,  the  congregations  of 
Tuscarora  and  Cedar  Spring  presented  a  call  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rhea. 
Some  time  in  1771  Rev.  S.  Kennedy,  a  minister  from  the  north  of  Ire- 
land, settled  among  the  Cedar  Spring  congregation,  and  in  1774  or  1775 
they  built  a  parsonage  upon  the  tract  of  land  owned  by  the  congrega- 
tion, which  Mr.  Kennedy  occupied  until  about  1779,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  Hugh  McGill,  who  continued  many  years  as  pastor  of 
Tuscarora  and  Cedar  Spring  congregations,  and  was  one  of  the  constituent 
members  of  this,  the  Huntingdon  Presbytery,  upon  its  organization. 

There  appears  to  have  been  at  a  very  early  period  a  log  church  in 
Lack  Township,  Juniata  Count)-,  at  what  is  now  known  as  McWilliams's 
Graveyard,  about  three  miles  above  Waterford. 

In  speaking  of  the  churches  in  Juniata  County,  I  desire  to  mention  an 
incident  which  may  not  be  out  of  place  here.  When  I  was  a  boy,  Rev. 
John  Hutchison  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  my  father's,  and  I  was  present 
on  one  occasion  when  Mr.  Hutchison  told  mj-  father  this  incident.  He 
said  at  one  time  he  was  on  his  way  to  Bcllefontc  to  preach  for  Rev. 
James  Linn,  and  on  the  Seven  Mountains  he  was  stopped  by  two  noted 
highwaymen,  Lewis  and  Clark,  who  infested  the  mountains  of  Centre 
County.  After  robbing  him  of  all  the  money  he  had  and  his  watch,  he 
said  to  them,  "  Now,  men,  I  wish  you  would  let  me  have  fifty  cents  back  ; 
I  am  going  to  Bellefonte  to  preach,  and  I  have  not  a  cent  to  pay  my 
way."  Lewis  said  to  him,  "  Are  you  a  minister?"  Father  Hutchison 
answered,  "  I  am,  and  am  going  to  Bellefonte  to  preach  for  Mr.  Linn." 
Then  Lewis  said  to  Clark,  "  Give  this  man  back  his  watch  and  money." 
To  this  Clark  demurred,  but  Lewis  made  him  do  it,  and  said,  "  We  do 
not  rob  poor  men  nor  ministers,  for  they  arc  paid  little   enough."     So 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  6/ 

Father  Hutchison  got  his  money  and  watch  back  and  went  on  his  way 
rejoicing. 

The  earliest  record  of  any  preaching  I  can  find  in  what  is  now  Mifflin 
County  was  in  August,  1766,  by  Rev.  Charles  Beatty,  the  home  mis- 
sionary spoken  of  before,  in  Bratton  Township,  on  the  farm  of  Andrew 
Bratton,  now  owned  by  Mrs.  Anna  Kyle.  No  church  building  was  there 
then,  and  Mr.  Beatty,  in  his  journal,  says  it  was  the  first  preaching  in 
that  section.  Shortly  after  this  a  log  church  was  built  on  that  farm. 
Illustrating  the  character  of  the  men  and  the  spirit  of  the  times,  Hon. 
A.  S.Wilson,  president  judge  of  Mifflin  County  for  many  years,  told  me 
this  anecdote,  which  he  said  he  could  vouch  for  as  being  true.  There 
was  a  man  in  Bratton  Township  who  was  an  avowed  infidel,  by  the  name 
of  Leeter,  and  one  James  Ross,  a  strong  Presbyterian,  who  lisped.  A 
travelling  minister  or  missionary  came  along,  and  notice  was  sent  around 
that  there  would  be  preaching  in  this  Bratton  Church.  Leeter  and  Ross 
both  went  to  the  preaching,  and  occupied  seats  side  by  side  on  the  back 
seat.  In  the  course  of  the  sermon  the  preacher  said  something  Leeter 
did  not  approve  of,  and  he  said,  "  That's  a  lie."  Ross  flared  up  and  said, 
"  Thrue,  every  word  of  it."  The  preacher  went  on,  and  again  said  some- 
thing still  more  offensive  to  Leeter,  who  remarked,  "  That's  a  lie."  Ross 
replied,  "  You're  a  liar."  With  this  the  two  men  grappled  each  other. 
Ross  threw  Leeter,  and  the  preacher  stopped.  Ross,  who  had  Leeter 
down  and  was  pounding  him,  shouted  out  to  the  preacher,  "  Just  you  go 
on  and  never  mind  us,  and  I  will  soon  settle  this  fellow,"  and  settle  him 
he  did. 

In  1783,  Rev.  Matthew  Stevens  settled  in  Bratton  Township  and 
preached  along  the  river,  in  Granville,  Bratton,  and  Wayne  Townships, 
then  called  Derry  and  Wayne.     At  the  October  meeting  of  Presbytery, 

1797,  he  received  a  call  to  Shaver's  Creek  congregation,  and  in  June, 

1798,  he  was  installed  pastor  there. 

The  Donegal  Presbytery  of  April,  1775,  appointed  supplies  for  the 
following  places  within  the  bounds  of  what  is  now  Huntingdon  Pres- 
bytery :  Kishacoquillas,  Holliday's  Mill,  Shirley,  Upper  Tuscarora,  Lower 
Tuscarora,  Penn's  Valley,  Bald  Eagle,  Bedford,  and  Frankstown  (near 
Hollidaysburg).  Rev.  John  Linn  was  appointed  as  a  supply  to  Bedford, 
etc.  At  the  June  meeting  of  that  Presbytery,  two  months  later,  Rev. 
Philip  V.  Fithian  was  appointed  to  labor  for  three  months  in  this  region. 

Friday,  June  3,  1775,  he  came  through  the  Narrows  into  Tuscarora 
Valley.     He  rode  down  the  valley  to  the  Juniata  River.     Sunday,  June 


68  THE    CENTENMAL   ANNIVERSARY 

5,  he  preached  at  Cedar  Spring.  Here  he  found  Rev.  Samuel  Ken- 
nedy, with  whom  the  congregation  were  having  trouble.  From  here  he 
went  to  Northumberland,  Sunbury,  etc.  July  31,  1775,  he  reached  Bald 
Eagle's  Nest,  near  Milesburg,  Centre  County,  and  the  next  day  held 
service  there,  at  which  some  Indians  were  present.     On  Sunday,  August 

6,  he  preached  two  sermons  in  Captain  Potter's  house  (afterwards 
General  James  Potter)  in  Penn's  Valley,  only  eight  men  and  not  one 
woman  in  attendance  besides  the  family,  as  a  violent  storm  was  prevailing. 
He  was  the  second  preacher  that  had  ever  been  in  the  valley.  Rev. 
William  Linn  had  been  there  the  two  Sabbaths  previous.  Captain 
Potter  told  him  there  were  only  twenty-eight  families  in  Penn's  Valley. 
They  had  raised  forty  pounds  to  pay  for  supplies. 

In  1776  it  is  evident  there  was  an  organized  congregation  in  Penn's 
Valley,  as  it  made  that  year  an  application  to  Synod  for  supplies,  but 
the  valley  was  abandoned  during  the  winter  of  1779-80,  and  the  settlers 
did  not  return  until  1784. 

In  April,  1789,  Rev.  James  Martin  was  called  to  the  churches  of 
Penn's  Valley,  Warrior's  Mark,  and  Half  Moon.  The  Huntingdon 
Presbytery  was  organized  in  his  church  in  Penn's  Valley  the  second 
Tuesday  of  April,  1795.  After  leaving  Penn's  Valley,  Mr.  Fithian  came 
into  Kishacoquillas  Valley,  and  on  Sunday,  August  13,  1775,  preached  in 
a  meadow  of  Judge  Brown's,  where  Reedsville  now  stands.  Mr.  Brown 
gave  him  twenty  shillings  and  nine  pence.  August  20  he  preached 
twice  at  West  Kishacoquillas  in  Mr.  Brotherton's  barn,  and  John 
McDowell  gave  him  twenty  shillings.  While  Mr.  Fithian  was  preach- 
ing here,  Rev.  Mr.  Rhea  was  preaching  in  another  part  of  the  valley, 
probably  along  the  Juniata  River. 

Prior  to  1783  a  log  church  was  erected  in  Kishacoquillas  Valley, 
about  a  mile  and  a  half  east  of  Reedsville.  The  congregation  had  no 
settled  pastor  until  March  15,  1783,  at  which  time  the  people  made  out 
a  call,  signed  by  sixty-nine  men,  for  the  Rev.  James  Johnson  to  become 
their  pastor,  which  call  he  accepted.  This  call  was  written  by  Master 
Arnold,  a  school-teacher.  It  does  not  appear  to  have  ever  been  presented 
to  Presbyter)'.     The  following  is  a  copy  of  it : 

"  Mr.  James  Johnson,  preacher  of  the  Gospel : 

Sir, — We,  the  subscribers,  members  of  the  United  Congregation  of 
East  and  West  Kishacoquillas,  having  never  in  this  place  had  the  stated 
administration  of  the  Gospel  ordinances,  yet  highly  prizing  the  same. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


69 


and  having  a  view  to  the  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ*  and 
the  Spiritual  Edification  of  ourselves  and  families,  have  set  ourselves  to 
obtain  that  blessing  among  us,  and  therefore,  as  we  have  had  the  oppor- 
tunity of  some  of  your  labors  in  this  place,  and  are  satisfied  with  your 
soundness,  piety,  and  ministerial  ability  to  break  unto  us  the  Bread  of 
Life  we  do  most  heartily  and  sincerely,  in  the  name  of  the  Great  Shep- 
herd of  the  Flock,  Jesus  Christ,  call  and  invite  you  to  come  and  take  the 
pastoral  charge  and  oversight  of  us  in  the  Lord.     And  for  your  en- 
couragement we  do  promise,  if  God  shall  dispose  your  heart  to  embrace 
this  call,  that  we  will  give  a  dutifull   attention   to  the  Word  and  Ordi- 
nances of  God  by  you  administered;   that  we  will   be  subject  to  your 
admonitions  and  reproofs,  should  our  falls  and  miscarriages  expose  us 
there-to   and  will  submit  to  the  discipline  of  the  church,  exercised  by 
you   a-reeably  to  the  Word  of  God ;  and  also  that  we  will  treat  persons 
with  friendship  and  respect,  and   behave  in  all  things  toward  you  as 
becomes  christians  always  should  towards  their  pastor  who  labors  among 
them  in  word  and  doctrine.     And  farther,  as  we  are  persuaded  that  those 
who  serve  at  the  Alter  should  live  by  the  Alter,  we  do  promise,  in  order 
that  you  may  be,  as  much  as  possible,  free  from  worldly  incumbrances, 
to  provide  for  your  comfortable  and  honorable  maintenance  in  the  man- 
ner set  forth  in  our  Subscription  Papers  accompanying  this,  our  Call, 
during  your  continuance  with  us  as  our  Regular  Pastor.     And  in  witness 
of  our  hearty  desire  to  have  you  settle  among  us  we  have  herewith  set 
our  Names  this  Fifteenth  day  of  March,  Anno  Domini,  1783  : 


William  Brown. 
James  Scott. 
John  Cooper. 
William  Corbet. 
John  McManigle. 
Samuel  Mitchell. 
Hugh  Martin. 
Mathew  Taylor. 
Joseph  Adams. 
John  McNitt. 
William  Wilson. 
Robert  McNitt. 
Thomas  Thompson. 
Joseph  McKibbens. 
James  Laughlin. 


Robert  Allison. 
James  McCay. 
William  Fleming. 
William  McAlevy. 
William  Harper. 
James  Alexander. 
James  Reed. 
James  Glass. 
Thomas  Brown. 
Alex.  McNitt. 
Eligah  Crisseell. 
John  Fleming. 
Alex.  Brown,  Jr. 
Kdm.  Richardson. 
William  Miller. 


Robert  Barnhill. 
William  Young. 
James  S.  McClure. 
Thomas  Arthurs. 
Thomas  Alexander. 
Samuel  Alexander. 
Samuel  Wills. 
William  McNitt. 
Philip  Clover. 
David  Kelly. 
Arthur  Buchanan. 
Joseph  Brown. 
John  Means. 
James  Means. 
Matthew  Kenny. 


70 


THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


Robert  Gardner. 
Benj.  Cresswell. 
William  Miller,  Jr. 
Thomas  Sankey. 
James  Burns. 
Abraham  Sanford. 
Samuel  Milliken. 
Joseph  Haslett. 


Benj.  Hall. 
Robert  McClellan. 
Elisha  Cresswell. 
William  Mitchell. 
John  Cubertson. 
Robert  Campbell. 
Samuel  Hower. 
Neal  McManicrle. 


James  Reed,  Jr. 
Henry  Taylor. 
Joseph  Wesley. 
William  Thompson. 
John  McDowell. 
John  Kyle. 
David  Barr. 
John  Reed." 


I  see  that  this  call  to  East  and  West  Kishacoquillas  Church  was 
signed  by  a  number  of  settlers  in  and  around  Lewistown.  Arthur  Bu- 
chanan, who  took  out  the  warrant  for  the  land  where  Lewistown  now 
stands,  signed  this  call. 

From  Kishacoquillas  Valley  Mr.  Fithian  went  to  Huntingdon.  There 
was  no  organized  church  there  then,  but  as  early  as  April,  1790,  Rev. 
John  Johnson  accepted  a  call  for  one-half  his  time  to  Huntingdon  and 
its  neighborhood.  He  had  previously — to  wit,  November  14,  1787 — 
been  installed  pastor  of  Hart's  Log  and  Shaver's  Creek.  The  last  congre- 
gation Mr.  Fithian  visited  on  this  tour  was  at  Fort  Shirley,  near  Shir- 
leysburg,  Huntingdon  Count)-.  He  preached  August  27,  1775,  in  Mr. 
James  Foley's  barn.  Although  the  day  was  stormy,  fifty  or  more  people 
were  present. 

Judge  William  M.  Hall  writes  me  that  there  was  an  organized  Pres- 
byterian church  at  Bedford  as  early  as  1763,  and  that  Rev.  Charles  Beatty 
preached  there  in  1758.  They  had  no  settled  pastor  until  1786,  when  a 
call  was  given  to  Rev.  David  Bard,  who  accepted  and  remained  their 
pastor  for  three  years.  In  June,  1790,  he  accepted  a  call  to  Frankstown 
congregation,  and  remained  there  until  1799. 

In  1786,  Carlisle  Presbytery  was  organized,  and  the  churches  under 
its  care,  within  the  bounds  of  the  present  limits  of  Huntingdon  Presby- 
tery, were  Bedford,  Derry,  and  Wayne,  on  the  Juniata,  Kishacoquillas, 
and  Hart's  Log  and  Shaver's  Creek,  with  pastors ;  and  without  pastors, 
Great  Aughwick,  Standing  Stone  (Huntingdon),  Frankstown,  near  Hol- 
hdaysburg,  and  Penn's  Valley.  And  the  ministers,  Hugh  McGill,  James 
Martin,  James  Johnson,  Matthew  Stevens,  John  Johnson,  David  Bard, 
and  John  Hoge.  As  stated  before,  the  early  settlers  in  this  Presbytery 
were  mainly  Scotch  and  Scotch-Irish  Presbyterians  and  some  Huguenots 
and  Reformed  Dutch  from  Holland.  These  men  were  strong  in  the 
faith,  brought  their  Bibles,  Confessions  of  Faith,  and  Catechisms  with 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  J I 

them,  organized  congregations  without  delay,  and  souglit  supplies  of 
ministers  to  preach  to  them.  And  the  Synod  and  Presbyteries  of  Done- 
gal and  Carlisle  reached  out  to  the  frontiers  with  a  true  home  missionary 
spirit.  And  as  the  Apostolic  Church  sent  Paul  and  Silas  and  Barnabas 
and  Mark  out  on  missionary  tours,  so  did  the  Synod  and  Presbyteries 
co-operate  with  the  frontier  settlements  and  sent  out  to  them  earnest  and 
consecrated  preachers. 

These,  I  take  it,  were  the  causes  of  the  establishing  of  Presbyterianism 
in  Huntingdon  Presbytery. 


THE   BENCH    AND    BAR    DURING    THE    PAST    CENTURY, 
VIEWED    FROM  A   PRESBYTERIAN   STAND-POINT. 

JUDGE   AUGUSTUS   S.   LANDIS. 

In  coming  to  make  a  retrospect  of  the  "  Bench  and  Bar"  of  this 
Presbytery  during  the  past  century,  it  is  discovered  that  the  task  is  a  dif- 
ficult one,  because  of  the  meagre  supply  of  information  useful  for  the 
purpose,  and  the  utter  absence  in  many  respects  of  material  which  the 
historian  needs  to  accomplish  his  work.  When  I  note  the  particularity 
with  which  the  events  of  to-day  are  recorded, — though  much  of  the 
matter  is  ephemeral, — I  am  surprised  to  discover  that  there  is  still  some- 
thing which  some  one's  industry  or  patience  has  collected,  or  another's 
conservatism  has  recorded  and  preserved. 

From  some  delving,  however,  into  the  past,  and  arraying  the  re- 
covered objects  of  the  search  side  by  side  in  the  light,  there  is  furnished 
a  new  view  of  your  Presbyterial  history,  and  an  impression  perhaps  that 
is  the  more  gratifying  to  your  mind,  as  you  learn  that,  after  the  planting 
of  your  colonies  in  these  valleys,  raising  the  standards  of  your  faith,  and 
sowing  the  seed  of  gospel  teaching, — the  gospel  as  you  teach  it  to-day, — 
that  seed  has  sprung,  and  down  through  the  century  has  fructified  into 
a  harvest  that  well  attests  the  careful  sowing  and  the  healthful  seed. 
What  effect  has  it  had  upon  the  intelligent  and  educated  mind  ? 

The  territory  now  embraced  within  the  boundaries  of  the  Huntingdon 
Presbytery  are  the  counties  of  Blair,  Clearfield,  Centre,  Bedford,  Hunt- 
ingdon, Mifflin,  and  Juniata.  They  contain  an  area  of  five  thousand  five 
hundred  and  fifty-three  square  miles,  and  now  a  population  of  over  three 
hundred  thousand.     In  1791,  when  the  Commonwealth  was  for  the  first 


72  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

time  organized  into  judicial  districts,  the  fourth  judicial  district  embraced 
all  of  this  territory,  together  with  other  territory  now  without  the 
bounds  of  our  Presbyter}'.  The  towns  and  villages  were  small,  and  the 
population  sparse. 

The  judicial  establishment  was  in  a  primitive  condition.  Court- 
houses were  almost,  if  not  entirely,  unknown  as  such  throughout  the 
district.  Rooms  in  inns  and  other  buildings  were  temporarily  used  for 
the  unfrequent  sessions  of  the  courts,  and  both  judges  and  lawyers  made 
the  circuit  of  the  district  over  such  roads  and  with  such  means  of  trans- 
portation as  could  be  commanded  at  the  time. 

Such  traditions,  however,  as  we  have  show  that  the  dignity  of  the 
court  was  maintained,  its  orders  and  decrees  were  respected,  its  judg- 
ments enforced,  and  justice  impartially  administered.  Above  all,  the 
judicial  history  of  the  century  seems  to  show  that  this  district  contained 
the  ablest  judges  in  the  Commonwealth,  and  certainly  that  more  came 
into  prominence  in  the  history  of  the  State's  judiciary  than  from  any 
other  district.  No  less  than  five  of  these  judges  were  advanced  to  the 
Supreme  Bench  of  the  State,  and  their  eminence  for  learning  and  in- 
tegrity has  won  for  them  an  enduring  name,  and  justified  their  selection 
for  the  judicial  office.  All  of  them  worshipped  under  the  Presbyterian 
faith,  and  their  names  are  therefore  properly  to  be  associated  with  your 
Presbyterial  view  of  the  century  in  the  department  of  the  "  Bench  and 
the  Bar." 

When,  under  the  law  organizing  the  State  into  judicial  districts. 
Governor  Mifflin,  in  1791,  appointed  Thomas  Smith  judge  of  the  fourth 
district,  he  probably  selected  one  of  the  most  learned  and  upright  mem- 
bers of  the  bar.  He  was  a  half-brother  of  Dr.  William  Smith,  of  Phila- 
delphia, who  founded  the  town  of  Huntingdon,  and  was,  in  his  day,  well 
known  through  this  part  of  Pennsylvania,  his  name  having  been  associ- 
ated with  the  location  of  large  bodies  of  unseated  lands  at  that  time. 
In  the  Supreme  Court  he  found  Shippen  and  Tilghman  and  Yeates, — 
still  familiar  names  to  the  legal  profession, — and  successfully  maintained 
himself  as  their  associate  in  that  court  of  review.  I  learn  that  he  was 
one  of  the  early  Presbyterians  of  this  neighborhood,  and  he  heads  the 
list  of  a  long  line  of  judges  and  lawyers  of  that  denomination. 

When  Judge  Smith  was  appointed  to  the  Supreme  Court,  in  1794, 
Governor  Mifflin  appointed  James  Riddle,  a  lawyer  residing  in  Bedford, 
as  judge  of  this  district.  Judge  Riddle  came  to  Bedford  from  Chambers- 
burg,  and  continued  as  the  presiding  judge  until    1804.     He  occupied 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUXTINGDON.  73 

the  bench  just  one  hundred  years  ago,  and  it  is  said  he  was  hkewise  a 

Presbyterian.  ■  ^    .  .      n 

He  was  succeeded  by  Thomas  Cooper,  who  was  appointed  by  Gov- 
ernor Thomas  McKean  in  1804.  Little  is  known  of  him.  My  mforma- 
tion  is  that  he. was  a  Presbyterian.  He  presided  but  a  Httle  over  one 
year  when,  under  a  new  judicial  apportionment  of  the  State  ml  806,  he 
was  assi-ned  to  another  district.  This  reapportionment  made  the  fourth 
judicial  district  practically  the  territor>'  of  the  present  Presbytery 

In  1806  the  same  governor  appointed  Jonathan  Hodge  Walker  the 
successor  of  Judge  Cooper.  He  had  been  born  in  Cumberland  County, 
and  was  educated  at  Dickinson  College  ;  resided  in  Northumberland, 
afterwards  at  Bellefonte,  and  finally  in  Huntingdon  and  Bedford.  He 
was  married  to  a  sister  of  Thomas  Duncan,  one  of  the  justices  of  the 
Supreme  Court.  He  was  said  to  have  been  a  man  of  high  character 
and  an  able  judge..  He  was  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and 
commanded  the  confidence  of  his  contemporaries.  In  1818,  President 
Monroe  appointed  him  judge  of  the  United  States  District  Court  at 
Pittsbur..  He  was  the  father  of  Robert  J.  Walker,  in  later  years  a  promi- 
nent statesman,  and  who  was  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  at  Washington, 
and  by  appointment  of  President  Buchanan  governor  of  Kansas  in  its 

territorial  stage.  . 

Jud-e  Walker  was  followed  by  Judge  Charles  Huston,  who  resided 
at  Bellefonte,  and  was  appointed  by  Governor  Findlay  in  1 8 1 8.  He  was  a 
Presbyterian  and  an  eminent  judge  and  author  in  his  day,  and  was  known 
to  many  now  living.  He  was  in  1826  transferred  to  the  Supreme  Bench, 
and  his  name  has  been  since  a  most  familiar  one  to  the  legal  profession. 

His  translation  was  followed  by  the  appointment  of  Thomas  Burn- 
side  by  Governor  Shulze,  in  1826.  He,  likewise,  resided  in  Bellefonte 
and  was  a  Presbyterian,  or  at  least  worshipped  in  that  church.  He  had 
previously  been  in  political  Ufe,  having  been  a  member  and  Speaker  ot 
the  State  Senate,  and  a  member  of  Congress.  Under  the  amended  con- 
stitution of  1838,  Judge  Huston's  term  as  Supreme  judge  expired  in  1845. 
when  Judge  Burnside  was  elected  to  succeed  him  in  that  tribunal. 

In  I 8m  Bedford  County  was  detached  from  this  judicial  district,  and 
afterwards  formed  part  of  the  sixteenth  district.  John  Tod,  a  lawyer  of 
Bedford  became  the  judge  of  that  district  by  appointment  of  Governor 
Shulze  This  man,  I  am  informed,  was  likewise  a  Presbyterian,  and  was 
an  exceedingly  able  and  upright  judge.  He  was  commissioned  a  judge 
of  the  Supreme  Court  in  May,  1827.  but  died  in  February,  1830. 


74  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

He  w"as  followed  as  the  judge  in  the  Bedford  district  by  Alexander 
Thompson,  also  a  Presbyterian,  who  presided  until  1841.  Skipping  over 
Judges  J.  S.  Black  and  F.  M.  Kimmell,  their  successors,  who  were 
CatnpbelliUs  or  Christians,  we  find  the  next  Presbyterian  judge  in  that 
portion  of  the  Presbyter^'  to  have  been  James  Nill,  who  came  from 
Chambersburg.  and  he  was  followed  by  Judge  Alexander  King,  who 
came  of  a  Presbyterian  family. 

Judge  William  Maclay  Hall  succeeded  him  for  eleven  years.  He 
was  a  Presbj-terian,  and  was  the  son  of  a  well-known  and  honored  man 
in  this  Presb\ter>-,  Rev.  WilUam  M.  Hall. 

The  present  judge.  Jacob  H.  Longenecker,  is  also  a  Presb>-terian. 
Thus,  out  of  eight  judges  who  specially  presided  in  Bedford  Count)-, 
five  if  not  six  were  Presb\"terians. 

Taking  Centre  Countj'  next,  which  was  erected  in  1800,  we  find  that 
after  Judge  Thomas  Bumside,  of  whom  I  have  already  spoken,  was  ap- 
pointed from  this  district  to  the  Supreme  Bench,  he  was  succeeded  by 
Judge  James  Bumside  and  Judge  Samuel  Linn.  The  latter  was  a  Pres- 
bjterian.  Judge  Orvis  succeeded  him,  and  he  was  followed  by  Judge 
Adam  Hoy,  who  was  a  Presbj-terian.  Judge  A.  O.  Furst,  also  a  Presby- 
terian, followed  Judge  Hoy,  and  completed  his  term  the  first  Monday  of 
the  current  year.  Of  these  nine  judges,  therefore,  who  held  the  courts 
of  this  county  during  the  century,  three  of  them  were  members  of,  or 
attendants  upon,  other  churches,  and  six  of  them  were  Presbyterians. 
These  figures  in  this  respect  show  the  dominating  influence  of  Presby- 
terianism  in  this  portion  of  the  Presbyter\-.  The  century  closed  as  it 
began, — its  judicial  mind  worshipping  in  the  Presbjnerian  faith. 

Clearfield  County  was  formed  in  1804,  and  constituted  part  of  the 
fourth  judicial  district.  After  the  retirement  of  Judge  Thomas  Burnside, 
the  judges  were  J.  T.  Hale,  James  Bumside,  Samuel  Linn,  J.  B.  McEnally, 
Charles  A.  Mayer,  J.  H.  Or\-is.  and  David  L.  Krebs.  With  the  exception 
of  Judge  McEnally  and  Judge  Krebs,  all  were  residents  of  Centre  Countj', 
and  I  have  already  indicated  their  denominational  affiliations.  Of  the 
non-residents,  two  if  not  three  were  worshippers  in  the  Presb\-terian 
Church.  Of  the  residents.  Judge  Krebs  was  a  member  of  the  Presby- 
b\-terian  Church.  Judge  Cjtus  Gordon,  at  present  on  the  bench  of  this 
count)-,  is  an  active  member  of  the  Presb\-terian  Church. 

Huntingdon  County  was  organized  in  1787,  and  in  age  is  next  to 
Bedford  County, — that  county,  organized  in  1771,  being  the  oldest  in  the 
Presbj-ter)'.     But  Huntingdon  seems  at  the  beginning  of  the  centurj'  to 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  75 

have  been  the  centre  of  business,  population,  and  public  intercourse. 
The  judges  and  its  bar  seem  to  have  been  most  conspicuous,  and  whilst 
Centre  and  perhaps  Clearfield  were  eminent  for  their  bars,  this  county 
embraces  a  wider  and  more  remarkable  history  than  any  of  her  sisters, 
and,  it  is  believed,  can  produce  a  longer  list  of  admissions  to  member- 
ship than  any  other  bar  in  the  Presbytery. 

When  Judge  Thomas  Burnside  ceased  to  hold  courts  in  this  county, 
he  was  succeeded  by  Judge  Geo.  W.  Woodward,  of  Wilkesbarre,  who 
remained  here  but  one  year,  to  be  followed  by  Judge  Abraham  S.  Wilson. 
an  appointee  of  Governor  David  R.  Porter. 

Judge  Woodward  was  an  Episcopalian.  He  became  very  conspic- 
uous in  after-years  as  a  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  a  member  of 
the  Constitutional  Convention  of  1873.  He  had  been  appointed  a  justice 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  by  President  Polk  in  1845, 
whilst  presiding  over  the  courts  of  this  county,  but  political  influence 
pre%ented  his  confirmation  by  the  Senate. 

Judge  Wilson  was  a  Presbyterian,  and  a  dignified,  painstaking,  and 
popular  judge.  He  continued  in  his  position  till  George  Taylor,  in  1849, 
was  appointed  as  the  first  judge  of  the  new  twenty-fourth  judicial  district, 
composed  of  Huntingdon.  Blair,  and  Cambria  Counties.  He  was  elected 
under  the  amended  constitution  in  185 1, and  was  re-elected  in  1861.  He 
served  till  almost  the  end  of  his  second  term.  Judge  Taylor,  by  educa- 
tion, profession,  and  association,  was  a  Presbyterian.  He  was  not  only 
an  able  lawyer,  he  was  a  fearless,  conscientious  judge.  His  powers  of 
judicial  discrimination  and  conclusion  were  of  the  highest  character,  and 
his  opinions  were  accepted  by  the  profession  at  large  with  convincing 
confidence.  The  writer  saw,  as  a  member  of  his  bar,  all  of  his  career 
after  1 856,  and  can  pleasurably  attest  the  possession  of  his  great  powers, 
and  deplore  his  sudden  and  untimely  demise. 

Judge  John  Dean,  by  election  in  1 87 1 ,  succeeded  Judge  Taylor  in  the 
same  district,  though  not  long  after,  under  the  new  constitution  of  1874, 
he  withdrew  to  his  own  district,  the  county  of  Blair,  to  be  followed  by 
Judge  A.  O.  Furst  in  the  new  district  of  Centre  and  Huntingdon.  As 
already  sUted,  Judge  Furst  is  a  Presbyterian,  as  was  also  Judge  Dean  ; 
and  thus  it  is  seen  that  with  but  few  exceptions  this  county's  judges  have 
all  been  members  or  worshippers  in  that  faith. 

Mifflin  County  was  organized  in  1789,  and  was  also  part  of  the  great 
fourth  judicial  district.  After  Judge  Thomas  Burnside  ceased  to  preside 
in  its  courts  as  the  judge  of  the  fourth  district,  he  was  followed  by  Judge 


75  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Woodward,  an  Episcopalian,  and  he  consecutively  by  Judge  A.  S. 
Wilson,  Judge  Samuel  S.  Woods, — a  brother  of  our  brother  elder,  D.  W. 
Woods, — Judge  Joseph  C.  Bucher,  and  the  present  Judge  Harold  M. 
McClure,  all  of  whom  were  Presbyterians  or  of  Presbyterian  stock  and 
worship.  Thus,  after  Judge  Burnside,  there  have  presided  over  the  courts 
of  this  county  five  judges,  of  whom  four  were  of  Presbyterian  connection. 

Juniata  County  was  formed  from  Mifflin  in  1831,  and  during  the 
intervening  period  has  had  eight  president  judges.  Of  these,  all  were 
Presbyterians  except  Judge  Frederick  Watts,  an  Episcopalian,  who 
resided  at  Carlisle,  and  Judge  John  Reed,  resident  in  the  same  city,  who 
was  also  possibly  an  Episcopalian.  Judges  Calvin  Blythe.the  first  judge, 
and  he  had  been  attorney-general  in  1828,  Samuel  Hepburn,  James  H. 
Graham,  Benjamin  F.  Junkin,  Charles  A.  Barnett,  and  Jeremiah  Lyons, 
the  present  judge,  six  in  all,  were  Presbyterians,  and  resided,  some  in 
Mifflintown  and  others  in  New  Bloomfield,  Perry  County,  not  within  the 
bounds  of  this  Presbytery,  though  Perry  County  had  originally  formed 
part  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery.  The  Presbyterian  preponderance  in 
this  court  is  easily  conspicuous,  and  though  in  that  early  day  remote 
from  Centre  and  Bedford  Counties,  its  churchly  proclivities  were  in 
harmony  with  theirs,  thus  showing  the  wide  prevalence  of  the  Presby- 
terian thought  and  influence. 

Blair  County  is  the  youngest  of  the  organized  counties  in  the  Pres- 
bytery, it  having  come  into  existence  as  such  in  February,  1846, — 
formed  from  Huntingdon  and  Bedford  Counties.  Its  proximity  to  Hun- 
tingdon, geographically  and  commercially,  has  produced  a  professional 
intimacy  and  comity  that  are  contemporaneous  with  this  county's  exist- 
ence. The  judges,  till  Judge  Furst  followed  Dean,  had  been  judges  in 
Blair  County,  and  its  bar  for  years  was  common  with  that  of  Blair;  and 
even  now  there  is  an  intercourse  and  a  reciprocity  as  frequent  as  they  are 
mutual  and  pleasant. 

The  county  has  had  five  judges.  The  great  name  of  Judge  J.  S. 
Black,  Christian,  heads  the  list.  He  came  from  Somerset,  where  he 
lived,  to  hold  the  quarterly  sessions  till  1849,  when  Judge  George  Taylor, 
of  Huntingdon,  was  appointed  and  elected,  and  was  upon  the  bench  till 
his  death,  in  November,  1871.  Judge  John  Dean  succeeded  him  for 
twenty-two  years,  and  he  was  followed  by  the  writer  upon  a  commission 
from  Governor  Robert  E.  Pattison.  Judge  Martin  Bell,  a  Baptist,  is  the 
present  incumbent.  Of  these  five  judges,  three  were  Presbyterians, 
covering  a  period  of  forty-five  years  of  judicial  administration  out  of 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  JJ 

almost  fifty  years.    One  of  them,  Judge  Dean,  has  since  become  a  justice 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State,  by  election  in  1892. 

Thus  it  is  seen  that  on  the  bench  throughout  the  old  fourth  district, 
which,  as  already  stated,  was  territorially  about  what  your  Presbytery 
now  is,  during  the  century  the  members  of  the  court  were  almost  wholly 
Presbyterians.  The  judicial  system  during  that  time  embraced  the 
appointment  of  lay  judges,  who  sat  with  the  law  judges,  and  assisted  in 
the  disposition  of  the  public  business.  The  constitution  of  1873  has 
abolished  this  custom  in  single  districts,  but  it  was  up  to  that  time  a  wise 
and  useful  provision.  They  were  commissioned  only  to  sit  in  the  county 
of  residence,  and  their  knowledge  of  men  and  local  affairs  furnished 
valuable  aid  to  the  president  of  the  court. 

Whilst  these  men  were  selected  because  of  their  intelligence,  promi- 
nence, and  probity,  and  the  confidence  which  they  had  won  from  their 
neighbors,  many  of  them  became  eminent  in  other  departments  of  life, 
and  they  left  their  impress  upon  the  times  in  which  they  lived. 

I  cannot  here  undertake  to  enumerate  any  of  them,  but  such  history 
and  tradition  of  which  I  have  availed  myself  show  that  very  many  of 
the  most  prominent  and  respected  of  them  were  members  of,  or  elders 
in,  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

I  come  now  to  the  bar,  and  it  is  to  be  said  it  was  throughout  the 
district  no  less  denominational  in  its  ecclesiastical  connections  than  the 
bench.  The  members  of  the  court  came  from  the  bar,  and  it  can  per- 
haps, therefore,  reasonably  be  said  ab  Jino  discc  oiiines. 

Beginning  at  Bedford  as  before,  we  find  many  names  of  lawyers  who 
were  men  of  eminence  and  strength.  Not  referring  again  to  those  of 
them  who  became  judges,  we  have  the  Riddles,  James  and  Samuel,  John 
and  William  Lyon,  the  Espys,  Reynolds,  and  Blodgett ;  Samuel  L.  Rus- 
sell, long  an  eminent  lawyer,  is  only  recently  deceased.  He  was  a  man 
of  great  integrity  and  industry,  and  by  his  genial  nature  won  many 
friends.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention  of  1873, 
having  been  elected  from  the  twenty-first  senatorial  district  with  the  late 
Mr.  Curry  and  the  writer  of  this  paper.  I  am  pleased  here  to  testify  to 
his  warm  friendship  and  his  many  excellences. 

Francis  Jordan,  now  a  resident  of  Harrisburg,  was  from  the  Bedford 
bar.  He  was  commissioned  secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  January 
16,  1867,  and  removed  to  Harrisburg,  where  he  has  since  remained  in 
the  practice  of  the  law.  William  P.  Schell  was  elected  and  commissioned 
auditor-general  of  the  State  May  8,  1878. 


78  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Besides  these  there  were  Job  Mann,  who  was  State  treasurer  in  1842, 
Samuel  H.  Tate,  and  other  members,  living  and  dead,  whom  we  cannot 
undertake  to  name,  but  who  have,  by  their  training  and  their  labors, 
given  a  high  character  to  a  bar  which  has  during  the  century  dwelt  in 
the  most  southern  portion  of  your  Presbyterial  territory. 

Centre  County  has  abounded  in  eminent  names.  It  seemed,  in  the 
early  part  of  the  century,  to  have  been  the  nursery  of  judges.  Walker, 
Huston,  Burnside,  Hale,  Burnside  the  younger,  and  Linn  all  came  from 
this  county.  The  bar  itself  enrolls  many  eminent  names.  Mr.  W.  W. 
Potter,  John  Blanchard,  H.  N.  McAllister,  Andrew  G.  Curtin,  James  A. 
Beaver,  William  P.  Wilson,  James  McManus,  James  H.  Rankin,  James 
P.  Coburn,  are  prominent  and  Presbyterian  names.  Two  of  them,  Mr. 
Potter  and  Mr.  Blanchard,  were  members  of  Congress,  and  two  of  them, 
Curtin  and  Beaver,  are  known  as  having  been  governors  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, and  the  same  community  produced  the  present  executive, 
Governor  Daniel  H.  Hastings.  Whilst  a  number  of  these  men  have 
been  active  in  the  church,  it  would  be  highly  fitting  to  particularize  the 
name  of  Mr.  McAllister.  In  every  object  in  which  he  was  interested  he 
employed  an  energy  that  was  exceptional  and  surprising.  With  a  strong 
mind  and  apparently  rugged  health  he  worked  without  rela.xation,  with 
the  one  intent  of  success.  When  a  duty  was  imposed  on  him  he  seemed 
to  think  it  rested  wholly  on  him,  and  then  followed  the  conscientious 
devotion  to  the  task.  In  professional  labor,  as  a  member  of  this  Pres- 
bytery or  its  committees,  it  was  the  same.  His  de\otion  to  his  church 
was  a  radiant  feature  in  his  busy,  useful  life  ;  and  if,  in  his  day,  the  church 
has  added  anything  to  its  strength  and  its  grandeur,  Mr.  McAllister  must 
be  remembered  as  an  earnest  workman  who  wrought  upon  its  walls. 

He  died  in  1873  whilst  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention, 
of  which  he  was  an  industrious  and  able  member,  and  was  succeeded  in 
that  body  by  Hon.  Samuel  Calvin,  of  Blair  County. 

The  bar  in  Clearfield  County  has  not  been  so  large  as  in  other 
counties,  and  until  connected  with  the  great  railroad  system  of  the 
Commonwealth  this  county's  communication  with  the  great  highways 
which  lay  farther  south  was  difficult  and  infrequent.  But  here  Presby- 
terianism  has  always  had  a  strong  hold.  Her  people  have  availed  them- 
selves of  the  great  natural  resources  which  surrounded  them  and  have 
converted  them  into  enduring  wealth.  The  prominent  men  embrace 
among  them  many  of  your  faith,  and  the  names  of  some  of  them  are 
widely  known  within  and  without  the  Commonwealth.     William  Bigler, 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  jg 

elected  governor  in  185 1  and  United  States  senator  in  1855,  went  from 
the  town  of  Clearfield;  and  in  the  same  year,  185 1,  his  brother  was 
elected  governor  of  California.  Isaac  G.  Gordon  had  been  a  member 
of  this  bar,  and  was  an  active  Presbyterian.  He  remo\-ed  to  Jefferson 
County,  and  in  October,  1873,  was  elected  and  commissioned  a  justice 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State.  William  A.  Wallace,  of  the  same 
place,  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate  from  1863  to  1875  and  from  1883 
to  1886.  He  was  also  the  speaker  of  that  body  in  1871,  and  he  was  the 
United  States  senator  from  1875  to  1881  from  this  State.  Other  names 
of  active  churchmen  might  be  given  as  residents  of  this  county,  and  we 
are  told  of  the  earnest  support  which  the  pastors  have  received  from 
that  class  of  men  to  wliich  our  attention  has  been  directed.  At  this 
time  I  am  informed  the  bar  membership  is  largely  Presbyterian. 

Huntingdon  has  the  honor  of  giving  name  to  your  Presbytery.  Her 
history  and  her  traditions  justify  it.  In  a  great  measure  she  was  the 
centre  around  which  revolved  the  affairs  of  a  planted  and  a  steadily 
nascent  church.  It  was  the  point  convergent  to  which  looked  the  eyes 
of  widely-scattered  churches  in  a  then  immense  field.  Improved  trans- 
portation has  obliterated  space,  and  it  is  still  old  Huntingdon  Presby- 
tery, and  it  is  all  here  to-day  without  the  struggles  of  a  hundred  years  ago. 

Outside  of  the  ministry  there  are  many  influential  and  eminent  names. 
The  long  list  of  judges  I  have  given  you.  They  had  been  prominent 
lawyers,  but  their  selection  did  not  embrace  all.  The  secular  history  of 
the  county  shows  a  large  number  of  strong  and  noted  men  whom  we 
cannot  name;  and  though  a  majority  were  of  this  church,  other  churches 
have  reason  to  be  proud  of  their  record. 

In  the  matter  of  governors  this  district  has  been  liberal  to  the  peo- 
ple of  the  Commonwealth.  I  have  shown  that  four  were  taken  from 
Centre  and  Clearfield  Counties,  and  a  fifth  must  be  added  by  naming 
David  R.  Porter,  who  was  the  first  governor  elected  under  the  constitu- 
tion of  1838.  He  had  long  been  the  prothonotary  of  this  countj^  but 
was  elected  governor  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  continued  in  that  office 
till  January,  1845.  ^^  is  possible  that  the  name  of  Governor  John  W. 
Geary  should  also  be  added,  as  he  for  a  number  of  years  resided  near  the 
boundary  line  of  Blair  and  Cambria  Counties,  though  on  which  side  I 
am  not  informed. 

William  A.  Porter,  an  earnest  Presbyterian,  a  son  of  Governor  Por- 
ter, became  an  eminent  lawyer,  and  in  January,  185S,  was  appointed  a 
judge  of  the  Supreme  Court. 


8o  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Among  the  oldest  deceased  lawyers  of  the  county  we  recall  the 
name  of  Alexander  Gwin,  who  was  the  district  attorney  when  McCon- 
aughy  was  convicted  of  murder.  This  was  the  occasion  on  which 
George  Taylor  made  the  great  effort  of  his  earlier  life,  and  which  later 
made  him  judge. 

John  Williamson,  a  genial  and  witty  man,  died  some  years  ago  an 
octogenarian.  He  had  represented  his  county  in  the  Legislature.  Gen- 
eral A.  P.  Wilson  was  a  noted  and  unique  character  in  his  day,  and 
though  he  was  an  Episcopalian,  he  was  said  to  have  been  a  constant 
supporter  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

David  Blair,  John  Reed,  and  A.  W.  Benedict  were  lawyers  and  mem- 
bers of  the  Legislature,  and  all  were  widely  known  and  respected. 
John  G.  Miles  was  a  familiar  character  in  all  the  bars  of  the  former 
judicial  district.  He  was  a  stalwart  Presbyterian,  as  he  was  the  stalwart 
lawyer  and  the  rugged  man.  His  erudite  arguments,  delivered  with  de- 
liberate directness  and  nervous  vehemence,  made  an  impression  which 
the  young  lawyer  of  his  day  could  not  forget,  and  which  the  older 
adversary  always  felt.  His  name  occurs  often  in  the  reports,  and  they 
perpetuate  the  wonder  at  his  unwearied  industry.  His  settlement  as 
executor  of  the  great  Shoenberger  estate  was  the  last  work  of  his  life, 
and  its  extent  and  intricacies  made  the  task  almost  superhuman.  The 
chiselled  boulder  that  lies  upon  his  grave  on  yonder  hill  fitly  symbolizes 
the  man. 

William  P.  Orbison,  William  Dorris,  and  John  Scott  are  names 
familiar  to  every  Presbyter.  They  are  living,  and  have  always  been 
known  as  interested  in  and  associated  with  the  work  of  the  church. 
Mr.  Orbison  was  at  one  time  a  law  partner  of  James  M.  Bell,  well  known 
in  this  and  in  Blair  County  ;  and  Mr.  Dorris  was  the  partner  of  Mr.  Miles 
for  many  years.  He  had  some  military  experience  in  commanding  a 
regiment  of  militia,  which  he  marched  to  Chambersburg  to  repel  the 
advance  of  a  Confederate  division  from  Antictam.  Colonel  Dorris  has 
been  for  many  years  counsel  for  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  and  has  tried 
many  important  cases.  He  has  long  been  a  member  of  the  session  of 
the  church  in  which  we  are  now  assembled. 

Mr.  Scott  was  long  one  of  the  leaders  of  this  bar,  and  achieved  by 
his  own  efforts  and  qualities  an  envied  reputation.  His  partners  while 
in  Huntingdon  have  been  Samuel  T.  Brown  and  John  M.  Bailey,*  promi- 

♦  Mr.  Bailey  has  since  been  elected  judge  of  Huntingdon  and  Mifflin  Counties. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  8 1 

nent  and  able  Presbyterian  lawyers,  and  after  leaving  this  county  he  be- 
came the  solicitor  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Legislature  in  1861,  and  entered  the  United  States  Senate 
in  March,  1 869.  He  is  also  at  present  a  ruling  elder  in  Dr.  Dana's  church 
in  West  Philadelphia,  where  he  resides. 

We  forbear  to  speak  more  of  living  lawyers,  and  will  name  only 
Robert  Milton  Speer,  who  came  to  the  bar  in  i860,  and  died  in  January, 
1890.  He  was  elected  to  Congress  in  1870  and  1872  against  a  very 
popular  opponent.  He  was  a  brilliant  and  successful  lawyer ;  he  was 
fluent,  earnest,  and  eloquent,  and  before  a  court  or  a  jury  possessed  a 
magnetism  and  a  power  that  often  captured  if  they  did  not  convince. 
His  all  too  early  removal  was  sincerely  mourned  by  many  friends.  His 
relations  with  the  writer  were  so  friendly  and  warm  that  I  may  be  in- 
dulged in  this  passing  tribute. 

He  was  Presbyterian  in  his  faith,  as  are  the  surviving  members  of  his 
family,  his  son,  Robert  Speer,  being  already  well  known  in  the  church, 
and  his  son  William  is  known  as  a  lawyer  and  an  editor  of  a  daily  news- 
paper at  Albany,  New  York. 

Mifflin  County  has  furnished  some  strong  names,  who  were  not  only 
men  of  culture,  but  also  were  upright  in  their  lives,  and  worshipped  and 
labored  in  your  church.  Among  them  I  name  John  Banks,  who  came 
to  the  bar  in  1819,  and  who  afterwards  became  the  Common  Pleas  judge 
in  Berks  County,  and  was  a  Whig  candidate  for  go\ernor  of  the  Com- 
monwealth. Ephraim  Banks  was  for  many  years  the  superintendent  of 
the  Sabbath-school,  and  an  elder  for  forty  years  of  the  church  at  Lewis- 
town.  He  became  the  auditor-general  of  the  State  in  May,  185 1.  In 
the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  was  an  associate  judge  of  his  county..  W. 
M.  Hall  came  to  this  bar  in  1823.  He  had  studied  divinity,  was  said  to 
be  a  man  of  cultured  taste,  and  died  a  member  of  the  bar.  General  T. 
F.  McCoy,  a  soldier  and  an  elder,  E.  L.  Benedict,  Joseph  W.  Parker, 
and  David  Candor,  all  deceased,  were  Presb\'terian  names.  D.  W. 
Woods,  George  W.  Elder,  T.  M.  Utley,  and  Andrew  Reed  are  conspicu- 
ous among  living  members  of  this  bar.  The  first  has  long  been  an  hon- 
ored name  in  your  church,  and  he  seals  it  with  our  approval  to-day  by 
his  learnedly  enlightening  us  as  to  "  The  Sources  of  Presbyterianism  in 
your  Presbytery."     We  might  justly  name  others,  but  we  pass  on. 

Juniata  County  has  had,  for  a  small  county,  quite  a  large  bar,  and  it 
would  seem  that  a  large  majority  of  them  were  Presbyterians,  though 
not  always  professed  or  communing  members  of  the  church. 

6 


82  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Hon.  James  P.  Sterrett  was  a  member  of  this  bar.  He  afterwards 
removed  to  Pittsburg,  became  a  judge  there,  and  was  in  1878  elected  a 
justice,  and  later  commissioned  the  chief  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  the  Commonwealth. 

Edmund  S.  Doty  was  long  the  leader  of  the  bar.  Andrew  Parker 
had  been,  and  Ezra  D.  Parker,  his  son,  received  the  mantle  from  his 
father.  Mr.  Doty  was  for  many  years  an  elder,  and  his  was  a  familiar 
face  at  your  sessions.  His  sons  were  nearly  all  lawyers,  and  Lucien  W. 
Doty  is  at  present  the  president  judge  in  Westmoreland  County. 

Colonel  A.  K.  McClure,  of  Philadelphia,  came  out  of  this  strong 
Presbyterian  bar.  He,  however,  worships  with  our  Methodist  brethren, 
but  I  hope  with  good  opinion  of  the  Calvinistic  friends  he  left  behind. 

George  Jacobs,  of  this  bar,  died  a  few  years  ago,  a  very  promising 
lawyer.  H.  H.  North,  James  and  John  H.  Mathers,  L.  C.  Adams,  W.  S. 
Wilson,  Jacob  A.  Christy,  Alfred  J.  Patterson,  C.  W.  Kelso,  J.  H.  Neely, 
and  many  others  whom  I  might  name,  are  on  the  lawyers  roll  of  this 
county,  and  exhibit,  as  did  the  judges  I  have  before  named,  the  proneness 
of  the  legal  mind  to  accept  the  cultus  of  your  church. 

In  Blair  County  the  first  court  was  held  on  the  27th  of  July,  1846,  by 
Judge  Black.  A  large  number  of  attorneys  was  sworn  in  on  that  day, 
embracing  gentlemen  from  all  the  adjoining  counties.  Some  of  these 
names  were  prominent  as  resident  lawyers  for  many  ensuing  years. 
Samuel  Calvin,  Thaddeus  Banks,  Samuel  S.  Blair,  R.  A.  McMurtrie,  and 
John  Cresswell  were  long  conspicuous  as  members  of  this  bar.  Mr. 
Banks  was  the  son  of  Auditor-General  Ephraim  Banks,  of  Mifflin  County, 
and  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  in  1862,  with  Senator  John  Scott 
and  Judge  Cyrus  L.  Pershing,  now  of  Pottsville.  Mr.  Calvin  was  a 
member  of  the  Thirty-first  Congress,  and  was  long  known  as  the  "  father 
of  the  bar."  Mr.  Blair  was  an  elder,  and  a  member  of  the  Thirty-sixth 
and  Thirty-seventh  Congresses.  Colonel  McMurtrie  was  a  member  of  the 
Legislature  in  1864.  Louis  W.  Hall,  brother  of  Judge  Hall,  of  Bedford, 
came  here  in  1854.  In  i860  and  1865  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
State  Senate,  and  was  its  speaker  during  his  last  term.  He  has  since 
removed  to  Harrisburg.  Benjamin  L.  Hewit  was  also  for  many  years  a 
lawyer  of  prominence.  He  was  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature  in 
1872,  1879,  1 88 1,  and  finally  in  1893.  Thomas  McCamant  was  a  mem- 
ber of  this  bar  for  a  number  of  years,  but  he  became  auditor-general 
of  the  State,  and  has  since  resided  in  Harrisburg.  These  gentlemen, 
except  Mr.  Hall  and  Mr.  McCamant,  are  all  dead.     They  were  members 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  83 

of  or  worshipped  in  this  church,  and  stood  high  in  the  pubHc  estimation 
and  confidence.  I  might  name  others  of  perhaps  less  prominence,  but  it 
will  suffice  to  conclude  here  the  personal  reference  to  the  men  who  have 
been  associated  with  and  have  contributed  to  the  local  histories  of  this 
church,  and  I  draw  this  sketch  to  a  close. 

It  is  possible  I  have  erred  in  some  respects  in  this  review  because  of 
inadequate  means  of  information.  But  it  has  been  interesting  to  scan 
the  great  field  which  your  fathers,  a  hundred  years  ago,  took  under  their 
Presbyterial  care.  They  set  up  here  the  banner  of  Presbyterianism,  and 
took  possession  in  the  name  of  Christ  and  the  church.  Their  methods 
were  orderly  and  wise.  They  were  mostly  of  Scotch-Irish  birth,  and 
possessed  the  rugged,  indomitable  spirit  of  that  people.  They  had  the 
pioneer  traits  alike  to  found  a  state  or  found  a  church.  But  the  church 
dominated  their  minds.  They  provided  for  the  present,  they  planned  for 
the  future.  In  view  of  their  surroundings,  they  knew  it  was  to  be  a 
battle.  Many  faithful  and  honored  ministers  thenceforth  marched,  and 
toiled,  and  fell  under  the  shadow  of  that  banner,  and  their  names  are 
growing  ancient  as  the  century  waxes  to  its  close.  What  they  preached 
sprang  and  grew,  and  bore,  till  now  we  know  how  well  their  works  have 
followed  them. 

Others  have  told  you  of  the  spiritual  triumphs  of  the  past,  and  the 
solid  growth  of  the  church  thoughout  all  your  borders.  I  have 
endeavored  to  call  your  attention  to  another  aspect  of  your  work,  and 
whilst  I  will  not  seek  to  arrogate  to  my  church  the  possession  of  an 
influence  and  a  power  to  which  she  is  not  entitled,  I  may  fairly  point  to 
the  facts  and  results  afforded  by  our  history  to  show  that  she  may  justly 
claim  an  exalted  station  in  the  great  work  of  teaching  the  public  mind 
to  perform  well  the  duties  not  only  of  the  religious  but  the  civic  life. 
With  the  development  of  both  comes  our  highest  and  best  civilization. 
The  first  will  enrich  and  preserve  the  other,  but  the  latter  must  perish 
without  the  nurturing  sustenance  of  the  first. 

In  this  great  work  of  leading  a  people  through  the  difficulties  and 
vicissitudes  which  have  attended  the  century's  labors  you  will  pause 
only  to  contemplate  your  victories,  and  reform  your  methods  where  you 
have  erred.  With  the  new  means,  and  men,  and  wealth  now  in  your 
hands  ;  with  a  country  teeming  with  seats  of  learning  ;  with  three  hundred 
thousand  people  within  your  domain  to  be  influenced  by  your  acts ;  with 
an  enthusiasm  that  has  not  abated  with  the  years;  with  a  fervor  and  a 
zeal  that  are  born  of  a  quickened  conscience ;  and,  above  all,  with  that 


84  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

soulful  and  impelling  sense  of  duty  and  accountability  to  the  immaculate 
name  you  serve,  you  will,  with  Him  as  your  captain,  go  on  in  this  new 
century,  still  conquering  and  to  conquer. 


PRAYER. 
REV.    R.    M.   W.A.LLACE,   D.D. 

O  Lord,  our  God,  we  bless  and  adore  thee  for  what  thou  art  in  thy- 
self,— "  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  a  God  doing  wonders." 
We  bless  and  adore  thee  for  what  thou  hast  revealed  thyself  to  be  in  thy 
word, — the  God  of  the  Covenant,  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  source  of  all  goodness,  mercy,  and  blessing.  And  we  bless 
and  adore  thee  for  what  thou  hast  shown  thyself  to  be  in  thy  works  of 
providence  and  grace. 

Thou  hast  unfolded  the  plan  of  redemption,  and  put  it  into  successful 
operation  by  the  mission,  death,  resurrection,  and  ascension  into  heaven 
of  thy  Son.  Thou  hast  established  th\-  church  in  the  world  and  made 
it  the  pillar  and  ground  of  the  truth,  and  ordained  that  the  means  of 
grace  should  be  dispensed  from  its  altars.  "  And  thou  gavest,  some 
apostles  ;  and  some,  prophets  ;  and  some,  evangelists ;  and  some,  pastors 
and  teachers  ;  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ :  till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the 
faith,  and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto 
the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of  Chri.st."  And  thou  didst 
bring  a  vine  out  of  Egypt  and  didst  plant  it  in  this  land,  and  it  took  root 
and  grew,  and  the  land  was  covered  with  the  shadow  of  it.  And  away 
back  in  the  distant  past — one  hundred  years  ago — thou  didst  inspire  the 
hearts  of  our  forefathers  with  faith  and  love  and  zeal  for  thy  glory,  and 
didst  prompt  them  to  organize  this  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  beneath 
whose  shadow  we  are  now  assembled.  We  bless  thee  for  its  existence, 
for  its  history  and  triumphs,  for  its  reputation  for  orthodo.xy,  for  the  good 
it  has  been  the  means  of  accomplishing,  and  for  the  bright  and  auspicious 
outlook  before.  And,  now  that  we  are  come  to  celebrate  its  one  hun- 
dredth anniversary,  do  thou  be  graciously  present  with  us  and  bless  thy 
servants  here  assembled :  inspire  them  more  and  more  with  zeal  for  the 
Master;    make   them    more   and   more   efficient   in  winning   souls   for 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  85 

Christ.  And  may  they  always  be  filled  with  and  guided  by  the  influences 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Bless  the  eldership,  and  make  them  efficient  sup- 
porters and  promoters  of  thy  cause.  Bless  the  young,  and  may  they 
give  their  young  hearts  in  early  life  to  Christ,  remembering  that  he  has 
said,  "  I  love  them  that  love  me,  and  those  that  seek  me  early  shall  find 
me."  And  bless  all  the  churches  represented  in  this  Presbytery.  Bless 
the  pastor  of  this  church  and  all  his  people,  and  may  they  be  favored 
again  and  again  with  such  seasons  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Most  High 
as  it  was  once  our  privilege  to  witness  among  them.  O  Lord,  our 
prayer  is  before  thee.  Hear  and  answer  us,  for  thy  name's  sake.  For- 
give all  our  imperfections  and  unworthiness.  And  gather  us  all,  at  last, 
into  the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born.  And  unto 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  shall  be  all  the  praise  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


THE   DEBT   AND    DUTY   OF   PRESBYTERIANS. 

REV.   J.   p.    E.    KUMLER,   D.D., 
Moderator  Synod  of  Pennsylvania. 

On  such  occasions  we  naturally  look  backward  as  well  as  forward. 
We  recognize  our  debt  to  the  past  and  our  duty  to  the  future.  Our 
fathers  have  labored  and  we  have  entered  into  their  labors.  We  are 
heirs  of  a  vast  and  invaluable  inheritance  which  brings  with  it  the 
solemn  obligation  to  transmit  it  unimpaired  to  the  generations  following. 
All  the  arts,  inventions,  and  discoveries  that  attend  our  progressive  civ- 
ilization have  come  to  us  from  the  labors  of  the  past.  What  agony  of 
mind,  anxiety  of  heart,  and  heroic  endeavor  they  have  cost !  The  for- 
ward steps  are  not  made  by  those  who  glance  only  at  the  surface  of 
things,  or  by  those  who  yield  either  to  inclination  or  popular  opinion. 
All  true  progress  is  up-hill. 

"  Great  truths  are  dearly  bought. 

Such  as  men  give  and  take  from  day  to  day 
Come  in  the  common  walk  of  every  life. 

Blown  by  the  careless  wind  across  our  way. 
Great  truths  are  greatly  won.     Not  found  by  chance 

Nor  wafted  on  the  breath  of  summer  dream, 
But  grappled  in  the  great  struggle  of  the  soul. 

Hard  buffeting  with  adverse  winds  and  stream," 


86  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

The  pioneers  of  our  church  in  this  Presbytery  a  century  ago  began 
the  work  in  a  scene  of  loneliness  and  insufficiency  and  uncertainty,  facing 
the  strongest  prejudices  and  most  persistent  opposition.  It  was  a  time 
of  great  poverty,  immoralit}-,  and  infidelity.  Their  only  hope  was  in 
God. 

The  great  part  of  the  work  of  the  best  spirits  of  any  age  must  be 
to  oppose  the  tendency  of  their  times.  This  was  pre-eminently  so  with 
the  founders  of  our  church  in  this  region.  Only  noble,  self-sacri- 
ficing minds,  armed  with  a  sublime  courage,  could  stand  and  advance 
against  the  existing  tendency  and  powers  of  evil  that  confronted  them 
on  every  side.  When  we  remember  that  every  advance  makes  a  new 
advance  easier,  that  every  correction  of  social  wrong  renders  right  living 
less  difficult,  and  that  every  widening  of  the  influence  of  religion  facili- 
tates its  universal  triumph,  what  a  vantage-ground  do  we  occupy !  Yet 
with  all  our  increased  and  improved  agencies  we  complain  of  the  diffi- 
culties in  our  way.  What,  then,  must  have  been  the  courage,  the  grit, 
and  the  grace  of  our  predecessors  a  century  ago.  As  we  look  around 
us  to-day  with  wondering  admiration  at  what  has  been  achieved,  what 
may  we  not  expect,  in  the  near  future,  if  with  our  greater  facilities,  we 
are  as  faithful  in  our  day  as  they  were  in  theirs.  We  have  in  trust 
the  same  divine  treasure  of  truth  and  order  that  they  had.  And  the 
elements  which  differentiate  our  Presbyterianism  from  other  Christian 
denominations  have  as  important  a  mission  to-day  as  ever.  I  need  not 
dwell  at  length  on  what  these  distinguishing  features  are.  It  goes  with- 
out saying  that  we  hold  in  common  with  other  evangelical  churches  all 
the  fundamental  doctrines  of  Christianity.  But  Presbyterianism  is  also 
distinguished  both  by  its  polity  and  its  faith,  otherwise  there  would  be 
no  justification  of  our  separate  existence.  There  are  two  principles 
found  in  the  word  of  God  which  determine  our  Presbyterian  polity. 
The  first  is  the  universal  priesthood  of  believers  as  opposed  to  all  sacer- 
dotal theories.  The  one  great  offering  on  Calvary  put  an  end  to  the  offi- 
cial priesthood.  The  second  principle  is  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the 
sole  head  of  the  church,  and  he  has  made  provision  for  its  government 
by  elders,  chosen  by  the  people  from  among  the  people  and  ordained  to 
rule;  that  the  several  congregations  of  believers  taken  collectively  con- 
.stitute  the  church  ;  that  the  larger  part  should  govern  the  smaller,  and 
consequently  that  appeals  may  be  carried  from  the  smaller  to  the  larger 
bodies,  till  finally  decided  by  the  whole  church  as  voiced  by  its  repre- 
sentatives in  its  highest  judicatory.     These  two  principles  distinguish 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  87 

Presbyterianism  from  prelacy  on  the  one  side  and  independency  on  the 
other,  and  then  follows  the  parity  of  the  clergy,  government  by  elders, 
and  the  unity  of  the  church.  We  claim  that  we  have  the  warrant  for 
these  characteristics  in  the  apostolic  church.  Its  divinely  delegated 
power  to  the  people,  exercised  by  them  through  their  own  chosen  repre- 
sentatives, with  the  checks  of  a  written  constitution  and  a  system  of 
appellate  courts,  bring  it  into  thorough  sympathy  with  a  people  whose 
civil  government  of  the  people  by  the  people  and  for  the  people  is  just 
what  Presbyterianism  has  for  centuries  illustrated,  and  which  must  com- 
mend itself  to  all  as  a  system  in  which  the  largest  measure  of  liberty 
is  combined  with  the  most  orderly  administration  of  law.  While  we 
hold  that  our  polity  is  most  agreeable  to  Scripture,  we  do  not  asperse 
other  branches  of  the  evangelical  church  as  sects,  nor  question  the  va- 
lidity of  their  ministry  or  church  ordinances.  We  hold  that  irregularity 
does  not  involve  invalidity,  so  that  without  any  sacrifice  of  principle 
we  open  our  pulpits  to  all  who  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  our 
communion-table  to  all  who  own  allegiance  to  our  common  Lord  and 
Master. 

We  are  also  as  distinguished  for  our  faith  as  our  polity.  Like  our 
Lord  and  Head,  we  were  born  and  came  into  the  world  to  bear  witness  to 
the  truth.  The  truth  to  which  we  bear  witness  is  the  revelation  which 
God  has  made  in  the  Bible,  and  nothing  but  the  Bible  as  the  supreme 
judge  of  religious  controversies.  As  witness-bearers  we  claim  it  to  be 
our  duty  to  declare  the  sense  and  meaning  of  the  Bible.  This  is  ex- 
pressed in  our  Confession  of  Faith.  The  Bible  is  the  word  of  God  to 
man ;  the  Confession  is  the  answer  of  man  to  God,  and  is  of  course  sub- 
ordinate to  his  word.  The  Confession  expresses  what  we  hold  to  be  the 
sense  and  meaning  of  the  word.  It  is  our  public  rule  of  doctrme  derived 
from  the  Bible,  hence  we  are  eminently  a  doctrinal  church.  The  charac- 
teristics of  our  doctrinal  system  is  that  we  place  the  emphasis  upon  God, 
of  whom,  to  whom,  and  through  whom  are  all  things,  to  whom  be  glory 
forever.  We  believe  in  divine  sovereignty  as  well  as  human  freedom. 
While  our  faith  exalts  God  it  humbles  man.  It  recognizes  our  utter 
dependence  upon  divine  mercy,  that  while  God  condemns  no  man,  except 
for  sin,  he  saves  no  man  except  out  of  mercy.  We  do  not  separate 
grace  from  the  means  of  grace,  nor  God's  free  grace  from  man's  free 
will.  We  hold  that  God  is  love,  that  love  is  self-sacrifice  for  others. 
Love  being  the  actuating  principle  of  his  nature.  To  teach  that  God 
exists  for  his  own  glory  is  to  teach,  not  that  he  is   infinitely  selfish. 


88  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

but  that  he  is  infinitely  benevolent.  For  this  faith,  commonly  called 
Calvinistic,  because  John  Calvin  was  one  of  its  most  eminent  defenders, 
men  have  faced  sword  and  fagot.  Virtue  has  gone  out  of  it  in  every 
age. 

Ranke  says,  "  We  may  consider  John  Calvin  as  the  founder  of  the 
free  States  of  North  America."  Bancroft  says,  "  He  that  will  not  honor 
the  memory  and  respect  the  influence  of  Calvin  knows  little  of  the  origin 
of  American  liberty."  Froude  says,  "  It  has  been  able  to  in.spire  the 
bravest  efforts  ever  made  by  man  to  break  the  yoke  of  unjust  authority." 
I  submit  if  the  church  which  the  fathers  have  fostered  and  transmitted  to 
us,  and  that  holds  to  this  matchless  system  of  order  and  faith,  and  that 
continues  unscathed  after  fourteen  centuries  of  criticism,  has  not  still  a 
mission,  not  only  to  the  unsaved  world,  but  also  to  the  other  churches. 
In  this  age  when  dogmas  and  doctrines  are  widely  discounted  ;  when  the 
evolutionary  hypothesis  of  natural  development  is  strongly  asserting 
that  the  world  has  outgrown  the  Bible;  when  the  divine  element  in  the 
giving  of  the  Bible  is  so  minified,  and  the  human  element  is  so  magnified, 
as  to  decidedly  weaken  its  authority;  when  we  see  on  the  one  side  the 
rapid  strides  of  Romanism  which  exalts  church  authority  to  a  level  with 
the  Bible,  and  on  the  other  side  the  .spread  of  rationalism  which  exalts 
the  human  understanding  and  consciousness  even  above  the  revealed 
word  ;  when  we  see  the  growth  of  socialism,  communism,  and  anarchism, 
and  the  gigantic  monetary  corporations  with  their  temptations  to  tyranny 
and  corruption ;  when  we  see  spiritual  religion  sinking  into  mere  moral- 
ity, and  all  the  religions  of  the  world  to  a  common  level ;  in  view  of  these 
things  was  there  ever  a  time  that  so  imperatively  demanded  for  the  safety 
of  our  institutions,  civil  and  religious,  such  men  as  Froude  declares  to 
be  the  offspring  of  Calvinism  ? — "  Men  of  inflexible  front  to  illusion  and 
mendacity,  preferring  to  be  ground  to  powder  like  flint  rather  than  bend 
before  violence  or  melt  under  enervating  temptation."  The  verj'  tenacity 
with  which  Presbyterians  hold  to  their  convictions  of  truth  exposes  them 
to  a  danger  against  which  they  should  guard.  Our  past  history  leaves 
us  in  no  doubt  of  the  danger.  It  is  "  that  like  hickory  we  split  easily." 
A  split  is  not  the  best  thing,  though  it  may  be  at  times  the  best  thing 
we  are  equal  to,  just  as  a  child  in  learning  to  walk  perfectly  may  walk 
awkwardly,  staggering  and  falling  often,  but  it  is  the  best  thing  the  child 
is  equal  to. 

The  time  has  come  when  we  should  put  away  childish  things  and 
strive  to  be  equal  to  something  better  than  repeating  our  divisions.     If 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  89 

we  would  impinge  with  the  greatest  possible  force  upon  the  world  we 
should  maintain  our  solidarity  as  long  as  consistent  with  fidelity  to  the 
cardinal  principles  of  the  Calvinistic  system  as  embodied  in  our  stand- 
ards. "  Broken  lights  distort  the  true  image."  Extreme  parties  are  not 
apt  to  be  the  best  exponents  and  truest  promoters  of  our  system.  Lib- 
erals are  too  apt  to  let  go  the  old,  conservatives  too  apt  to  reject  the  new, 
and  both  too  apt  to  be  intolerant  of  each  other.  Whereas,  both  need 
each  other  to  serve  as  mutual  checks  and  secure  a  just  balance  between 
extremes,  and  to  preserve  the  augmented  strength  of  a  consolidated 
body. 

The  rumbling  sounds  of  the  times  calls  for  watchfulness,  courage,  and 
fidelity;  they  also  call  for  the  exercise  of  patience  and  charity.  Among 
the  advantages  which  we  have  inherited,  and  which  so  augments  our  re- 
sponsibilitj'  to  the  future,  is  the  grand  equipment  which  under  God  the 
fathers  have  provided  and  placed  in  our  hands.  They  began  their  work 
without  a  single  one  of  the  boards  that  now  constitute  our  complete  or- 
ganism for  gospelizing  the  world.  This,  taken  in  connection  with  our 
vast  membership  and  wealth,  so  competent  to  set  our  machinery  in 
operation,  and  next  the  hand  of  God  in  history  and  providence  going 
before  to  open  the  way  to  the  fields  of  operation,  a  way  that  as  clearly 
reveals  the  hand  of  God  in  preparing  it  as  that  hand  was  in  preparing 
the  way  for  the  early  Christians  in  the  dispersion  of  believers,  the  su- 
premacy of  the  Roman  power  and  the  Greek  tongue,  who  by  steam,  by 
electricit)',  by  wars,  revolutions,  and  commerce,  has  brought  the  ends  of 
the  earth  into  close  neighborhood,  and  predisposed  them  to  hear  the 
gospel  message  which  we  are  commanded  to  deliver, — in  view  of  all  this, 
what  possibilities  and  dazzling  hopes  are  ours  !  With  our  tried  ecclesi- 
astical polity  and  faith,  with  our  view  of  the  visible  church  of  God,  its 
unit)',  its  catholicity,  and  its  spirituality,  what  may  not  the  Presbyterian 
Church  achieve  for  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  in  the  century  to  come 
if  she  is  only  baptized  with  the  Holy  Spirit  as  was  the  apostolic 
church ! 

True  gratitude  for  the  past  inspires  consecration  to  the  future.  "  Freely 
ye  have  received,  freely  give." 

True  sympathy  for  the  wise  and  good  who  have  served  and  enriched 
us  by  their  labors  should  impel  us  to  pay  over  to  the  future  in  a  grateful 
spirit  and  with  interest  what  we  have  received.  Let  us  on  this  centen- 
nial occasion  seize  as  well  as  measure  our  opportunities.  The  propa- 
gation of  the  truth  rather  than  the  sharpening  of  its  definition  is  the 


90  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

demand  of  the  hour.  We  have  been  whetting  our  swords  and  trying 
their  temper.  Let  us  go  forth  and  use  them  in  winning  victories  for 
our  King. 

"  We  are  living,  we  are  dwelling 
In  a  grand  and  awful  time. 
In  an  age  on  ages  telling 
To  be  living  is  sublime." 


THE   OUTLOOK. 

GENERAL  JAMES  A.  BEAVER,  LL.D. 

Fellow-Presbyterians, — We  have  taken  a  long  and  loving  look 
backward  to-day.  With  the  preacher,  we  have  walked  about  Zion  and 
gone  round  about  her  and  told  the  towers  thereof  and  marked  well  her 
bulwarks  and  considered  her  palaces,  and  the  result  of  it  has  been  good. 
With  the  singers, — 

"  We've  marked  her  goodly  battlements. 
And  her  foundations  strong. 
And  joined  within  the  gladsome  notes 
Of  her  triumphant  song." 

This  is  well, — well  for  a  day  and  well  done  as  a  record  for  the  next 
generation.  Reminiscence  serves  a  good  purpose  if  it  incites  to  the 
discharge  of  present  duty  or  points  the  way  for  future  conduct. 

In  the  life  of  our  Master  the  transfiguration  scene  was  glorious  and 
doubtless  in  a  way  useful,  but  it  lasted  at  the  most  but  a  few  hours.  The 
great  confession  of  the  great  Apostle  was  doubtless  confirmed  and  his 
faith  more  firmly  anchored  as  he  beheld  the  glory  which  was  to  be,  as 
foreshadowed  by  the  glory  which  was.  The  Master  himself  was  doubt- 
less strengthened  as  he  talked  with  Moses  and  Elijah  of  what  he  should 
accomplish  at  Jerusalem ;  but  there  was  a  demoniac  boy  at  the  foot  of 
the  hill  whom  the  disciples  were  unable  to  heal,  waiting  for  his  healing 
touch,  and  the  Master  came  down  from  the  Mount  to  take  up  the  every- 
day duties  of  healing  and  helping  which  were  ready  to  hand.  We  would 
not  like  to  miss  the  transfiguration  scene  from  the  story  of  our  Lord's 
life.  It  gi\'es  us  a  glimpse  of  the  glory  which  is  to  be  revealed  hereafter. 
We  rejoice  in  its  spiritual  uplift,  and,  with  Peter,  are  ready  to  say,  "  It  is 
good  for  us  to  be  here;"  but,  after  all,  it  was  an  aside,  a  sort  of  a  soul's 
half-holiday,  necessary,  perhaps,  for  spiritual  recuperation  and  for  more 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  9 1 

perfect  preparation  for  what  was  to  come.  Its  glory,  however,  was  but 
a  search-h'ght  thrown  forward  upon  the  path  of  duty,  and  the  high  con- 
verse of  the  great  characters  gathered  there  was  concerning  what  should 
be  accomplished  in  the  work  of  the  world's  redemption. 

And  so,  as  we  gather  here  to-day  to  hold  sweet  converse  as  to  what 
the  fathers  have  accomplished  in  the  past,  and  if,  perchance,  their  glorified 
spirits  gather  unseen  about  us  and  join  in  the  recall  of  high  and  holy 
achievement,  let  the  retrospect  be  an  incentive  to  emulate  their  sacrifice 
and  service.  Satisfying  as  have  been  all  the  joyous  exercises  of  this  day, 
surely  they  serve  their  best  purpose  when  they  call  us  to  present  duty, 
and  their  trumpet  tones  are  not  a  recall  from  the  conflict,  but  sound 
rather  the  advance  of  the  church  along  every  line  of  activity  and  service. 
As  we  stand  upon  this  high  summit  of  privilege  and  gather  the  inspira- 
tion which  comes  to  us  from  the  past,  we  say  and  can  say  truly,  "  It  is 
good  for  us  to  be  here ;"  but  we  cannot  stay  here.  The  church  cannot 
rest  in  congratulation.  She  must  gird  herself  for  conflict.  The  recall  of 
to-day  is,  therefore,  the  call  to  present  duty,  and  the  light  which  we 
gather  from  the  past  is  only  useful  as  we  cast  it  ahead  upon  the  pathway 
of  the  future.  Fathers  and  brethren,  heed  the  call.  Withdraw  your 
earnest  gaze  from  the  past  and  look  well  to  the  front.  Those  who  cele- 
brate the  next  Centennial  will  scarcely  note  what  you  say  here.  They 
will  be  concerned  about  what  you  do  in  carrying  forward  the  work  com- 
mitted to  your  keeping. 

Our  Committee  of  Arrangements  bids  me  speak  of  "  The  Outlook." 
What  is  it  ?  One  of  the  impressive  lessons  of  this  day,  pointing  clearly 
to  future  obligation  on  the  part  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  comes  from 
the  striking  contrast  between  the  place  where  the  Presbytery  of  Hunting- 
don was  organized  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  April,  1795,  and  that  in 
which  its  Centennial  is  held  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  April,  1895.  The 
Presbytery  was  organized  in  a  country  church.  The  phrase,  "the  country 
church,"  had  not  then  been  coined.  They  were  the  important  churches 
of  our  denomination.  They  were  the  wealthy  churches.  Their  mem- 
bers were  the  influential  men  of  the  community.  Agriculture  was  the 
principal  and  most  dignified  pursuit  of  our  people.  The  land-owners 
were  the  men  of  wealth  and  influence,  and  they  lived  for  the  most 
part  upon  their  own  land.  The  inhabitants  of  our  villages  were  the 
trades-people  and  mechanics,  whose  barter  and  handicraft  drew  from  the 
more  thrifty  farming  population  the  trade  upon  which  they  relied  for  a 
livelihood.     The  last  century  has  witnessed  a  great  change  in  social  and 


92  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

economic  conditions  among  our  people.  The  drift  of  population  has 
followed  trade.  The  development  of  manufacturing  enterprises,  furnish- 
ing employment  to  large  bodies  of  men,  has  served  to  concentrate 
population  to  a  still  greater  extent.  The  concentration  of  manufactures, 
trade,  and  commerce  in  the  busy  centres,  which  constitute  one  of  the 
marked  features  of  present-day  civilization,  has  led  to  the  relative  depop- 
ulation of  our  rural  districts.  As  a  consequence,  the  churches  of  our 
larger  towns  have  grown  at  the  expense  of  the  rural  churches.  The 
drift  of  population  westward  has  largely  contributed  to  the  further  deple- 
tion of  the  ranks  of  the  membership  of  our  country  churches,  and  the 
inevitable  result  is  one  of  the  serious  problems  which  confronts  the 
Presbyterian  Church  of  to-day, — What  shall  be  done  for  the  country 
church  ?  The  church  of  one  hundred  years  ago,  the  church  in  which 
this  Presbytery  was  organized, — not  the  identical  building,  but  a  fine 
brick  structure  which  took  its  place, — is  practically  deserted.  Much  of 
its  membership  has  drifted  to  a  near-by  town  and  erected  a  new  church 
building.  The  field  covered  by  these  churches,  and  at  least  one  other 
locality  which  could  be  united  with  them,  is  without  a  pastor,  and  likely 
to  remain  so  unless  Presbytery  exercise  its  prerogative  and  determine 
what  can  and  should  be  done  to  re-establish  our  church  in  this  field.  I 
use  this  as  an  illustration  to  emphasize  the  problem  which  confronts  the 
Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  to-day, — How  shall  we  resuscitate  the  country 
churches  of  the  Presbyten,'?  I  have  not  the  time,  nor  is  this  the  place, 
to  enlarge  upon  the  magnitude  of  this  question.  Every  intelligent 
member  of  the  Presbytery  is  impressed  with  its  importance.  It  is  not 
the  question  of  allowing  a  church  for  which  there  is  no  demand  to  die 
out.  It  is  not  a  question  of  denominational  pride.  It  is  a  question  of 
obedience  to  the  command  of  the  Master, "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature."  There  is  just  as  much  demand 
for  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  our  rural  districts  to-day  as  there  was 
when  these  churches  were  organized.  There  is  greater  demand  for  the 
exercise  of  the  highest  pulpit  and  pastoral  talents  than  there  ever  was. 
I  hesitate  to  give  advice  to  men  who  are  wiser  and  older  than  I  am.  but 
you  have  bidden  me  speak  of  "  The  Outlook,"  and  I  am  constrained  to 
say  that,  so  far  as  this  Presbytery  is  concerned,  the  outlook  for  the 
numerous  churches,  strong,  healthy,  vigorous,  helpful  in  the  past,  is  most 
discouraging,  unless  the  policy  of  the  Presbytery  in  regard  to  them  is 
reversed,  and  that  quickly  and  radically.  Under  our  form  of  government 
there  is  no  bishop,  no  presiding  elder,  no  superintendent,  no  one  man 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  93 

who  has  the  \iew  of  all  the  churches  continually  before  him,  and  who  is 
scheming  and  planning  and  laboring,  and  whose  sole  duty  it  is  to  scheme 
and  plan  and  labor,  for  their  welfare.  The  Presbytery  is  legislative, 
judicial,  and  executive.  Its  province  is  to  plan  and  to  execute.  It  is 
expected  that  this  will  be  done  at  meetings  of  Presbytery  practically 
twice  each  year,  continuing  scarcely  more  than  two  days  each,  and  that 
the  committees  having  the  interests  of  these  churches  of  which  I  speak 
in  charge  will  steal  sufficient  time  from  the  regular  meetings  of  the 
Presbytery  to  lay  wise  plans  and  provide  for  the  execution  of  them 
throughout  seven  counties  of  this  great  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania. 
The  mere  statement  of  this  mode  of  oversight  demonstrates  its  futility, 
and  the  melancholy  result  is  "  Ichabod"  written  over  a  number  of  our 
once  prosperous  and  influential  churches.  President  Harrison  once  said 
to  a  gentleman  who  was  complaining  about  some  alleged  defect  in  his 
administration, "  Yes,  that  is  very  well ;  it  is  very  easy  to  find  fault;  now 
give  us  the  remedy."  That  is  hardly  my  province.  If  the  criticism  is 
correct,  or  if  there  be  a  grain  of  truth  in  the  condition  which  to  my 
mind  very  clearly  confronts  us,  the  remedy  can  be  applied  only  through 
the  exercise  of  the  mature  wisdom  and  prayerful  consideration  of  the 
entire  Presbyter)'.     A  suggestion  or  two  may  not  be  out  of  place : 

First.  We  must  come  back  to  the  fundamental  idea  of  Presbj^erial 
government.  The  Presbytery  must  be  the  governing  factor  within  its 
legitimate  and  constitutional  province.  Presbyterial  control  must  be 
exercised  over  all  the  churches  of  the  Presb\tery,  and  must  mean  Control 
with  a  capital  C. 

Second.  Instead  of  individual  supplies,  consisting  of  different  persons 
for  each  succeeding  Sabbath's  service,  for  these  weak  churches,  would  it 
not  be  well,  through  the  agency  of  special  committees,  to  visit  the  sev- 
eral fields  within  the  Presbytery,  spend  the  time  necessary  to  ascertain 
the  wants  and  the  capacity  of  the  field,  endeavor  to  securj,  if  not  a 
pastor,  a  regular  stated  supply,  and 

Third.  Adopt  the  plan  which  has  been  found  to  work  so  satisfactorily 
in  the  Southern  branch  of  our  church,— secure  the  services  of  the  best 
evangelical  preacher  to  be  had  and  let  him  labor,  in  connection  with 
some  one  upon  the  ground  if  necessary,  for  several  months  at  a  time 
until  the  field  is  thoroughly  cultivated  and  its  capabilities  fully  demon- 
strated ?  If  it  be  found,  after  careful  consideration  and  prayerful  effort, 
that  there  is  no  constituency  from  which  a  Presbyterian  church  can  be 
built  up,  then,  finally,  let  the  field  be  abandoned  to  other  churches  which 


94  THE    CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

can  more  satisfactorily  and  more  fully  meet  the  needs  of  the  people  of 
the  respective  communities  in  which  these  weak  and  struggling  churches 
are  situated.  Do  you  know  such  a  church  ?  The  problem  is  a  large 
one.  It  needs  thorough  discussion  and  radical  treatment.  I  mention  it 
as  one  of  the  pressing  needs  as  we  turn  from  the  consideration  of  the 
century  past  and  of  the  churches  which  have  done  the  great  work  of 
this  Presbytery  in  the  past  century,  and  face  the  needs  of  the  present 
generation  and  the  century  which  is  opening  before  us. 

It  was  not  my  intention,  in  the  short  time  allotted  me,  to  discuss 
questions  of  Presbyterial  concern,  but  rather  to  emphasize  certain  char- 
acteristics of  the  individual  Presbyterian  which  seem  to  me  to  be  de- 
manded by  the  present  condition  of  the  church  and  which,  if  possessed 
by  the  individual  Christian,  will  lead  the  church  in  the  aggregate  to  a 
high  plane  of  prosperity  and  usefulness.  The  question  to  which  I  have 
alluded  was  forced  upon  me  by  the  conditions  which  confront  us,  and 
was  not  in  my  thought  when  I  began  considering  the  topic  to  which  our 
Committee  of  Arrangements  assigned  me. 

The  first  qualification  of  every  Presbyterian,  of  course,  is  that  he 
should  be  an  earnest  Christian ;  that,  having  sworn  allegiance  to  the 
Captain  of  his  salvation,  he  must  follow  his  banner  with  unswerving 
devotion,  and  that  the  guidance  and  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit  are  essential 
to  his  Christian  life.  This  is  true  of  all  Christians  of  every  denomina- 
tion. Given  these  absolutely  essential  elements  of  Christian  life,  it 
seems  to  me  that  in  our  church  we  wish  at  the  present  time  to  emphasize 
the  loyalty  which  is  due  to  the  church  of  our  choice.  It  is  essential  to 
the  welfare  of  every  voluntary  organization,  whether  of  divine  or  human 
origin,  that  every  member  shall  be  bound  by  and  respond  obediently  to 
every  requirement  of  the  law  which  governs  it.  It  is  not  incumbent 
upon  any  person  to  join  the  Presbyterian  Church  rather  than  any  other 
church  unless  its  doctrinal  standards  and  form  of  government  best  suit 
the  mental  characteristics  and  social  peculiarities  of  the  individual. 
When,  however,  these  standards  and  this  form  of  government  appeal  to 
the  individual  with  such  force  as  to  require  him  to  yield  his  assent  to 
their  truthfulness  and  to  come  within  the  scope  of  their  operation,  then 
common  honesty  requires  complete  and  unswerving  loyalty  to  their 
demands.  This,  of  course,  presupposes  a  knowledge  on  the  part  of  those 
who  come  within  the  sphere  of  this  voluntary  organization  of  its  doc- 
trines, of  its  laws,  and  of  its  form  of  government.  What  is  true  of  the 
individual  must  also  be  true  of  any  aggregation  of  individuals  forming 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  95 

a  corporate  existence,  whether  it  be  the  individual  church  or  Presbytery 
or  Synod,  or  whether  it  be  any  institution  formed  for  and  devoted  to  the 
advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  church,  educational  or  otherwise. 
The  same  laws  which  govern  the  individual  members  of  the  church,  the 
binding  obligation  of  which  they  are  bound  to  recognize,  must  govern 
and  be  recognized  by  every  institution  which  the  church  controls,  and 
especially  those  which  assume  to  teach  and  have  been  intrusted  with 
the  duty  of  teaching  those  who  are  called  to  the  duty  of  instructing  the 
people  in  what  constitutes  Presbyterianism.  This,  of  course,  leads  me 
into  the  very  thick  of  one  of  the  questions  confronting  the  church  at  the 
present  time.  I  do  not  attempt  to  discuss  it.  In  my  humble  judgment 
it  needs  no  discussion.  The  church,  having  seen  one  of  the  seminaries 
which  for  twenty-five  years  has  held  itself  out  to  the  world,  under  the 
compact  of  1870,  as  being  in  sympathy  with  the  doctrines  and  the  form 
of  government  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  as  being  under  the  control 
and  direction  of  the  church,  and,  by  reason  of  such  professed  sympathy 
and  allegiance,  secured  large  contributions  to  its  endowment  funds  from 
loyal  Presbyterians,  slip  from  its  grasp  through  a  legal  technicality,  is  not 
likely  to  permit  any  further  experiments  in  this  line.  The  institution, 
therefore,  that  hesitates  in  declaring  its  loyal  allegiance  to  the  church 
by  subscribing  to  the  reasonable  requirements  of  the  General  Assembly 
as  formulated  by  the  committee  appointed  at  its  last  meeting,  and  that 
fails  to  secure  by  proper  charter  regulations  the  reasonable  security 
which  the  church,  through  the  Assembly,  demands,  had  better  once  for 
all  declare  itself  independent,  and  thereby  certify  to  the  world  that  it  is 
no  longer  in  sympathy  with  the  church  which  created  it,  which  supports 
it,  and  without  which  it  cannot  continue  for  a  day  its  useful  existence. 

If  the  church  of  the  future  is  to  reach  the  results  at  which  it  aims 
and  is  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  present  generation,  there  must 
be  a  new  and  enlarged  sense  of  obligation  on  the  part  of  the  individual 
members  of  it  in  the  use  of  their  means  for  the  support  of  the  gospel  at 
home  and  the  spread  of  its  glad  tidings  throughout  all  the  earth.  The 
church  machinery  of  the  Presbyterian  body  is,  I  believe,  the  wisest  in 
plan  and  the  most  efficient  in  execution  of  any  similar  organization  in 
this  or  any  other  land.  This  we  are  bound  to  admit  as  loyal  Presby- 
terians. Every  one  of  its  active  agencies  for  carrying  on  the  Lord's 
work  in  the  world  has  been  the  outgrowth  of  pressing  need,  as  it  has 
manifested  itself  to  the  highest  legislative  body  of  the  church.  Not  one 
of  our  agencies  for  carrying  on  the  manifold  operations  of  the  church 


96  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

has  been  authorized  or  organized  without  the  most  careful  scrutiny  on 
the  part  of  the  General  Assembly.  When  so  authorized  and  organized, 
it  becomes  the  dut)-  of  everj'  individual  member  to  show  his  loyalty  to 
the  church  at  large  by  his  contributions  to  those  several  agencies,  care- 
fully planned  and  wisely  managed  for  the  extension  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  in  the  world.  How  far  is  this  obligation  met  by  the  churches 
composed  of  these  individual  members  in  this  Presbytery?  Let  the 
blanks  in  the  columns  devoted  to  the  reports  of  the  beneficent  offerings 
in  our  churches  in  the  minutes  of  our  General  Assembly  answer.  It  is 
no  sufficient  answer  to  this  to  say  that  the  times  are  hard  and  that  the 
churches  are  poor  and  that  it  is  difficult  for  them  to  maintain  the  stated 
means  of  grace  at  home.  Of  course  it  is  difficult,  and  will  become  in- 
creasingly difficult  just  in  proportion  as  the  churches  which  regularly 
maintain  these  blanks  continue  to  neglect  a  manifest  dut)'.  The  pastor 
or  stated  supply  who  fails  to  bring  to  the  attention  of  the  congregation 
which  he  serves  the  claims  and  the  demands  of  the  several  beneficent 
agencies  of  the  church  will  inevitably  pay  for  his  neglect  of  duty  in 
diminished  support  and  in  increasing  difficulty  in  securing  from  the 
congregation  what  is  necessarj'  for  his  own  personal  well-being.  All 
experience  proves  that  the  churches  which  gladly  and  loyally  support 
the  work  of  the  church,  through  the  various  agencies  which  it  has  es- 
tablished for  practical  obedience  to  our  Lord's  command  to  "  Go  into  all 
the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,"  are  those  which 
most  easily,  most  generously,  and  most  enthusiastically  discharge  their 
obligations  at  home,  and  that  the  pastor  who  most  faithfully  and 
lovingly  preaches  and  practises  the  duty  of  giving  to  Christ's  cause 
for  Christ's  sake  is  the  one  who  has  the  least  difficulty  in  securing  from 
his  people  adequate  and  loyal  support.  Let  me,  therefore,  beg  of  you, 
my  brethren  of  the  ministry',  who  do  not  often  have  the  opportunity  of 
listening  to  an  exhortation  from  the  pew,  as  you  value  your  own  com- 
fort, as  you  value  the  spiritual  well-being  of  the  members  of  your 
churches,  as  you  value  the  cause  which  the  great  head  of  the  church 
has  so  deeply  at  heart,  not  to  hesitate  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of 
God  in  regard  to  this  neglected  Christian  grace.  Satan  will  doubtless 
squirm.  He  always  does  when  he  is  hurt,  but  you  may  be  assured  that, 
if  criticism  comes  because  of  such  preaching,  it  will  come  from  those 
who  are  desirous  of  evading  duty  and  who  will  be  gladly  content  to  rest 
satisfied  in  a  one-sided  development  of  Christian  character.  You  know 
better  than  I  that  in  this  age  of  mammon  worship  the  issue  must  be 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTFXGDO.\'.  97 

clearly  and  fearlessly  presented, — God  or  mammon.  You  can  never 
preach  and  no  Christian  man  can  ever  follow  God  and  mammon.  The 
rich  young  ruler,  lovable  in  character,  perfect  in  outward  obedience  to 
the  law,  went  away  sorrowful  because  he  could  not  choose.  The  next 
day  the  little  Jewish  tax-collector,  who  climbed  into  the  sycamore-tree  to 
see  the  Saviour  pass,  came  down  from  that  tree  and  took  the  Saviour  to 
his  home  and  to  his  heart,  because  he  had  made  up  his  mind  to  give 
the  half  of  his  goods  to  the  poor.  He  was  saved  because  he  made 
the  choice  between  God  and  mammon  with  all  that  it  involved.  It  is 
entirely  safe  to  say  that,  if  the  individual  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  were  to  follow  the  example  of 
the  despised  publican,  the  next  century  would  witness  not  only  an  entire 
revolution  in  the  social  conditions  under  which  we  live,  but  the  evan- 
gelization of  the  world. 

Fathers  and  brethren,  you  closed  the  first  century  of  the  existence 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  by  securing  from  the  civil  courts  a 
charter  of  incorporation  which  secures  what  you  have  never  heretofore 
enjoyed, — a  legal  entity.  You  now  have  a  standing  in  our  courts  of 
law  and  equity.  You  can  sue  and  be  sued.  You  can  plead  and  be 
impleaded.  You  can  hold  property  and  convey  it  in  accordance  with 
the  provisions  of  law.  This  legal  existence  gives  you  power,  but  it  is 
not  your  strength.  Our  individual  church  organizations — many  of 
them — own  fine  buildings,  have  valuable  property,  and  control  the 
equipment  and  machinery  for  effective  service.  All  these,  important 
and  necessary  in  a  sense,  do  not  constitute  the  strength  of  the  church. 
The  agencies  of  the  church  have  been  wisely  planned  and  are  efficiently 
administered.  Under  their  guidance  we  are  erecting  great  buildings  in 
our  great  cities.  Their  in\-ested  funds  are  increasing  year  by  year  and 
are  bringing  enlarged  income  for  the  work  of  the  church.  All  these 
things  are  valuable  and  in  a  sense  necessar\',  but  they  do  not  constitute 
our  strength.  We  have  numerous  institutions  richly  endowed  for  the 
education  of  our  youth  and  the  training  of  our  ministry.  We  regard 
these  institutions  as  essential  to  the  highest  development  of  the  youth 
of  the  church  and  the  proper  training  of  those  who  are  to  preach  and 
to  teach  and  to  guide  in  her  councils.  We  rightly  so  regard  them,  and 
yet  numerous  and  richly  endowed  educational  institutions  do  not  con- 
stitute our  strength.  The  strength  of  the  church  and  her  future  devel- 
opment and  welfare  must  necessarily  depend  upon  the  inception  and  the 
growth  of  the  Christ  life  within  the  individual  believer.     Without  this 

7 


98  THE    CENTENXIAL  AXXIVERSARY 

there  can  be  no  such  thing  as  real  success,  and  for  this  we  must  depend 
upon  the  faithful  and  loving  declaration  of  the  whole  counsel  of  God, 
accompanied  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

The  church,  therefore,  in  the  centur>-  to  come  must  depend,  as  in  the 
centur}-  past,  upon  the  faithful  preaching  of  the  word,  accompanied  by 
the  prayers  and  the  efforts  of  all  who  constitute  the  true  body  of  be- 
lievers; and,  when  the  pulpit  and  the  pew  co-operate  in  loving  ser\ice 
for  the  salvation  of  the  world,  so  that  the  individual  Christian  shall  be 
fully  and  symmetrically  developed  and  shall  render  the  ser\'ice  which  that 
development  implies,  then  and  not  till  then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the 
condition  of  the  church  described  in  one  of  the  hymns  which  we  joined  in 
singing  to-day : 

"  Unshaken  as  the  eternal  hills. 
Immovable  she  stands ; 
A  mountain  that  shall  fill  the  earth, 
A  house  not  made  with  hands." 


PRESBYTERIAN   INFLUENCE. 
HON.  JOHN  SCOTT. 

I  FELT  that  I  was  honored  in  being  asked  by  my  old  associates  and 
friends  of  the  Presb>-tery  of  Huntingdon  to  reappear  among  them  at 
this  Centennial  celebration  and  make  an  address  upon  the  influence  of 
Presbj'terianism  in  Central  Pennsylvania.  It  was  with  very  great  regret 
that,  under  then  existing  circumstances  and  what  amounted  to  a  com- 
mand from  my  physician,  I  felt  constrained  to  say  I  could  not  discharge 
that  dut>'.  At  a  later  day  I  was  glad  when  informed  that  Rev.  George 
Elliott,  one  of  the  former  pastors  at  Alexandria,  had  been  selected  to 
fill  my  place. 

Two  weeks  ago  I  sat  in  a  Presbyterian  home  in  Georgia.  I  had  just 
returned  from  a  call  upon  the  widowed  daughter  of  Rev.  John  McKin- 
ney,  another  of  its  pastors.  The  husband  and  wife  in  that  home  look 
back  with  fond  memories  of  early  days  to  the  scenes  of  the  bright  and 
beautiful  Juniata,  and  it  stood  within  sight  of  an  institution  of  learning 
which  bore  the  name  of  one  of  the  Presbyterian  mothers  of  this  valley. 
There  I  read  the  sad  news  of  George  Elliott's  death.  They  had  all 
listened  to  his  preaching.  Could  I  do  otherwise  than  feel  that  the  in- 
fluences of  the  old  Presbyterian  church  at  Alexandria,  beginning  back 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUXTINGDOtY.  99 

in  the  days  of  the  original  congregation  of  Hart's  Log,  extending  down 
through  the  ministries  of  Rev.  John  Johnston,  John  Peebles,  James 
Thompson,  Samuel  Wilson,  John  McKinney,  George  Elliott,  S.  T. 
Lowrie,  S.  M.  Moore,  J.  C.  Barr,  S.  T.  Joly,  and  Mr.  Stewart  (all  of 
whom  except  the  first,  Mr.  Johnston,  I  have  known),  that  these  influ- 
ences had  gone  out  for  good,  not  only  in  but  far  beyond  the  limits  of 
Central  Pennsylvania? 

What  is  true  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  of  old  Hart's  Log  and 
Alexandria  is  also  true  of  this  whole  Presbytery.  The  Presbytery  of 
Carlisle  originally  embraced  Huntingdon,  and  Huntingdon  Presbytery 
originally  embraced  what  is  now  Northumberland.  This  may  safely  be 
deemed  Central  Pennsylvania,  for  it  would  be  a  too  limited  application 
to  confine  it  to  the  counties  now  embraced  in  the  Presbytery. 

To  discuss  at  length  the  influences  of  Presbyterianism  in  this  terri- 
tory would  require  the  historian  to  take  up  the  family  names  of  our 
congregations  in  the  old  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  and  in  this  Presbytery 
and  follow  them  in  their  movements  through  all  the  States  in  the  Union  ; 
for  what  Charles  Dickens  said,  after  his  visit  to  the  United  States,  of  the 
typical  American  citizen,  that  "  He  would  hardly  consent  even  to  enter 
heaven  without  the  reserved  right  of  going  farther  west,"  might  be 
emphasized  when  applied  to  that  part  of  our  countrymen  who  are  Pres- 
byterians, and  especially  who  are  Scotch  or  Scotch-Irish. 

When  the  letter  announcing  Mr.  Elliott's  death  was  handed  to  me  I 
had  taken  up  the  volume  of  Egle's  "  Pennsylvania  Genealogies."  That 
volume  was  compiled,  without  reference  to  denominations  or  national- 
ities, by  the  descendant  of  a  family  from  Zurich,  Switzerland,  and  upon 
turning  over  its  pages,  as  I  was  then  and  there  prompted  to  do  from  the 
train  of  thought  "caused  by  the  sorrowful  news  of  the  death  of  one  to 
whose  voice  I  had  hoped  to  listen  in  this  meeting,  I  found  that  of  the 
fifty-two  family  genealogies  there  given,  thirty-eight  of  them  were  of 
Scotchmen  or  Scotch-Irishmen.  Let  me  read  the  names,  and  as  I  do 
so  you  will  need  no  prompting  to  recognize  many  whose  families  and 
descendants  have  had  a  large  part  in  exerting  the  wholesome  influences 
of  Presbyterianism  in  Central  Pennsylvania  and  far  beyond  it :  Allen, 
Alrichs,  Anderson,  Awl  or  Auld,  Ayres,  Barnett,  Beatty,  Boas,  Bom- 
berger,  Boyd,  Bucher,  Grain,  Cowden,  Dixon,  Egle,  Elder,  Espy,  Fer- 
guson, Fleming,  Forster,  Fulton,  Galbraith,  Gregg-Curtin,  Greenawalt, 
Hamilton,  Hays,  Keller,  Kendig,  Kunkel,  Linn,  Lyon,  Maclay,  Mc- 
Cormick,  McNair,  MuUer,  Murray,  Neville-Craig,  Orth,  Parker-Denny, 


lOO  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Roan,  Robinson,  Rutherford,  Stewart,  Swan,  Thomas,  Wallace-Weir, 
Wallace-Hoge,  Wiestling,  Wiggin-Simonton,  Wilson,  Wyeth. 

I  have  thus  read  the  whole  list,  and  it  embraces  from  Scotland  and 
Ireland  38,  Germany  and  Holland  8,  Switzerland  5,  England  i. 

When  I  had  gone  through  this  list  I  asked  myself,  "  Although  I  can- 
not make  such  an  address  as  would  adequately  present  the  subject  as- 
signed, and  which  I  had  hoped  to  hear  discussed  by  Mr.  Elliott,  may  I 
not  read  this  list  and  a  few  comments  upon  it  at  this  meeting,  the  order 
of  my  physician  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding?  If  I  dare  not  speak, 
may  I  not  read  ?" 

What  a  history-  would  flow  out  from  a  consideration  of  these  family 
names !  How  many  ministers  of  the  gospel,  presidents  of  colleges, 
teachers  of  schools  and  seminaries,  governors,  judges  of  courts,  legis- 
lators, officers  and  soldiers  in  army  and  navy,  men  of  prominence  in  all  the 
professions  and  occupations  of  life,  and  women  who  have  adorned  and 
blessed  the  homes  of  such  men,  would  be  found  among  their  descendants  I 

By  way  of  illustration  I  first  take  the  name  of  Galbraith,  a  familiar 
one  in  Central  Pennsylvania.  In  reading  through  its  connections  occur 
the  names  of  John  Bannister  Gibson,  the  great  chief  justice  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  Ephraim  Blaine,  the  father  of  James  G.  Blaine.  The  influence 
of  that  Galbraith  family  in  the  Valley  of  the  Juniata  you  will  readily 
appreciate  when  I  read  this  note  from  the  book  referred  to :  "  Martha 
McLellan  (a  descendant)  married  James  Galbraith,  and  other  daughters 
married,  respectively,  John  Holliday,  William  Holliday,  Captain  John 
Blair,  of  Blair  County,  Samuel  Culbertson,  Mr.  McDowell,  and  Mr. 

Ramsey,  of  Franklin  County,  Pennsylvania."     Sarah  W.  Galbraith 

married,  in  18 10,  John  Bannister  Gibson.  W.  A.  Galbraith  was  a  presi- 
dent judge  in  Erie  County.  Milnor  Roberts,  a  prominent  civil  engineer. 
It  was  no  small  tribute  to  the  grade  of  character  resulting  from  Presby- 
terian education  and  its  accompanying  Bible  training  that  Judge  Black 
paid  when,  in  speaking  in  eulogy  of  the  integrity  of  Judge  Gibson,  he 
said,  "  His  was  not  that  common  kind  of  honesty  which  it  is  no  credit 
to  have,  but  simply  a  disgrace  to  be  without." 

In  the  family  name  of  Hamilton  there  occurs  this  about  aristocracy 
and  loss  of  pedigree :  a  lady  tracing  the  pedigree  to  a  duke  of  Hamilton 
says,  "  The  coat  of  arms  and  his  descent  were  carefully  preserved  by 
my  grandfather.  General  Chambers,  for  many  years  after  his  marriage 
to  Catharine  Hamilton,  as  a  cherished  relic,  but  in  the  infancy  of  the 
American  Republic  and  the  essential  and  consistent  training  of  the  dis- 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  lOI 

tinguished  patriot  and  his  accomplished  wife  the  children  were  taught  to 
abhor  aristocracy  or  anything  like  it.  So  the  two  cases  containing  the 
proofs  of  these  honors  became  playthings  and  eventually  disappeared, 
leaving  only  the  certificate  of  General  James  Chambers,  of  Franklin 
County,  Pennsylvania,  commander  of  the  first  Pennsylvania  regiment  in 
the  Revolutionary  War,  as  a  member  of  the  Society  of  the  Cincinnati." 
As  a  commentary  upon  this,  let  me  say  that  the  lady  who  uttered  these 
words  was  not  only  a  connection  of  the  Hamilton  family,  but,  as  you 
have  learned,  was  also  a  descendant  of  the  Chambers  family.  She  lived 
in  Cincinnati,  and  was  herself  the  wife  of  Judge  McLean,  of  the  United 
States  Supreme  Court. 

Thus  might  I  go  on  and  comment  upon  tiie  names  of  Beatty,  Gregg, 
Linn,  Lyon,  Maclay,  Murray,  Stewart,  Wilson,  and  others,  and  find 
running  out  from  them  all  streams  of  influence  which  have  permeated 
for  good  all  the  States  of  the  Union.  In  doing  this,  especially  would 
we  find  the  Scotch-Irish  always  in  the  front  in  the  establishment  of 
schools  and  colleges.  Dickinson  College  was  founded  by  Presbyterians. 
Rev.  Isaac  Grier,  a  graduate  of  that  college  and  a  member  of  the  orig- 
inal Presb}-ter_\'  of  Huntingdon  before  Northumberland  Presbytery  was 
taken  from  it,  founded  a  classical  school  at  Jersey  Shore,  and  his  son, 
Robert  C.  Grier,  became  another  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States.  The  schools  of  Kirkpatrick,  at  Milton,  and,  in  more 
recent  days,  of  Mr.  McGinnis,  at  Shade  Gap,  Huntingdon  County,  at 
Academia,  Juniata  County,  at  Milroy,  Mifflin  County,  Bellwood,  Blair 
County;  female  seminaries  at  Chambersburg,  Birmingham,  Hollidays- 
burg,  and  others  have  continued  to  keep  alive  the  interest  in  education 
of  both  sexes.  Although  the  old  Presbytery,  in  1810,  did  vote  against 
the  expediency  of  establishing  the  theological  seminary  at  Princeton, 
"on  the  ground  that  such  a  school  would  not  be  calculated  to  promote 
the  interest  of  religion,"  she  has  manifested  her  confidence  bj'  sending 
her  sons  to  that  seminary  to  be  trained  for  the  ministry,  and  that  Pres- 
b)'tery  and  seminary  are  now  in  entire  accord  I  may  safely  argue  from 
the  fact  that  Dr.  Hamill,  Governor  Beaver,  S.  T.  Lowrie,  and  myself  are 
among  the  directors  of  the  seminary  to  assure  Dr.  Mutchmore  and  his 
associates  of  the  Assembly's  Committee  that  she  is  sound  in  the  faith 
and  will  need  neither  a  mandamus  to  command  her  to  do  her  duty  nor 
an  injunction  to  restrain  her  from  teaching  heresy. 

Such  influences  as  this  Presbytery  exerted  in  early  days  it  has  con- 
tinued to  exert.     How  could  it  be  otherwise  when  I  recall  such  men  as 


I02  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

I  have  known  in  her  ministn-.  Doctors  Junkin,  McKinnex',  and  Gibson 
of  Hollidaysburg,  Linn  in  Bellefonte,  \Voods  and  McClain  in  Lewistown, 
Peebles  and  Zahnizer  in  this  pulpit,  Matthew  Allison  and  George  W. 
Thompson  in  Juniata  County;  and  in  the  eldership  such  as  Professor 
Wilson  and  E.  L.  Doty  in  Juniata  County,  Dr.  Maclay  and  E.  Banks  in 
Mifflin  County,  Judge  Ker,  Jacob  Miller,  John  Porter,  John  Owens,  and 
Judge  McWilliams  in  Huntingdon  County,  and  Joshua  Roller,  Judge 
Rea,  and  John  Tussey  in  Blair  County,  E.  C.  Humes  and  H.  N.  McAlister 
in  Centre  Count}',  and  others  like  them  equalh'  entitled  to  mention  ? 

It  is  not  only  the  men  who  exerted  their  influence  upon  tiieir  day 
and  generation  and  that  which  has  followed  it,  but  it  is  the  Presbyterian- 
isni  which  was  in  them  and  exerted  its  influence  upon  them  and  made 
them  the  men  they  were  that  must  be  borne  in  mind :  that  system  of 
doctrine  to  which  they  adhered,  in  which  they  believed,  which  acknowl- 
edged in  its  full  extent  the  sovereignty  of  God, — that  he  rules  and  reigns 
in  the  armies  of  heaven  and  doeth  his  will  among  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth, — and  developed  at  the  same  time  the  highest  type  of  individuality, 
independence,  and  self-reliance  in  man.  It  is  this  characteristic  of  Pres- 
byterianism  which  has  given  the  church  in  this  land  its  high  position 
for  intelligence  and  fidelitj-  to  truth,  and  to  its  members  their  influence  in 
public  affairs  of  State  and  nation.  They  may  not  be  in  the  proper  sense 
of  the  term  pugnacious,  but  they  are  always  persistent  and  persevering. 

Sitting  one  evening  in  South  Carolina  with  a  former  lieutenant- 
governor  of  that  State,  we  were  discussing  the  features  of  the  war,  and 
among  other  questions  was  presented  this  one :  "  Could  it  have  ter- 
minated any  earlier  than  it  did  ?"  Governor  Cannon's  reply  to  me  was, 
"  No,  it  could  not.  There  were  too  many  Presb^-terians  on  both  sides 
for  that.  When  they  go  into  a  fight,  wliether  right  or  wrong,  thej' 
always  believe  they  are  right,  and  they  fight  it  out."  And  he  might 
strongly  argue  the  truth  of  his  opinion  when  we  consider  that  from  the 
Puritans  and  Scotch-Irishmen  scattered  from  New  England  down  through 
New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  and  South  Caro- 
lina, and  Georgia,  with  the  Huguenots  who  were  mingled  with  them,  it 
was  too  much  to  expect  that  the  spirit  of  independence  and  individu- 
ality which  found  its  way  from  the  shores  of  Europe  to  Plymouth 
Rock,  and  was  manifested  at  Bunker  Hill  and  Yorktown,  would  not 
again  manifest  itself  as  it  did  at  Antietam,  Gettysburg,  and  Appomattox. 

Shall  this  spirit  of  individuality  and  self-reliance  be  maintained?  In 
these  days,  when  organization  is  in  danger  of  crushing  out  the  indi- 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDOX.  I03 

vidual  in  business  enterprises,  we  must  see  to  it  that  in  the  old  Presby- 
terian Church  each  man's  responsibilit)'  to  his  Maker  shall  keep  him 
independent  and  upright  in  the  discharge  of  all  his  duties,  let  his  station 
in  life  be  what  it  may. 

It  is  only  from  the  united  influences  of  those  "  whose  works  prosper 
because  they  delight  in  the  law  of  their  God"  that  any  church  organiza- 
tion can  effect  good  results.  Let  us  hope  that  the  men  and  women  of 
the  present  will  maintain  and  increase  the  influence  for  good  which  this 
dear  old  Presbyter>-  has  for  a  century  exerted,  feeling  at  once  the  oppor- 
tunities and  responsibilities  of  life,  and  realizing  for  each  of  us  the  truth 
of  those  beautiful  words  of  Ruskin  when  he  spoke  of  the  individual 
trees  making  the  Garden  of  God  and  compared  them  to  our  lives. 

"  Other  symbols  have  been  given  often  to  show  the  evanescence  and 
shortness  of  our  lives, — the  foam  upon  the  water,  the  grass  upon  the 
housetop,  the  vapor  that  vanishes  away ;  yet  none  of  these  are  images 
of  true  human  life.  That  life  when  it  is  real  is  not  evanescent,  is  not 
slight,  does  not  vanish  away. 

"  Every  noble  life  leaves  the  fibre  of  it  interwoven  forever  in  the  Zi'ork 
of  the  world:  by  so  much  evermore  the  strength  of  the  human  race  has 
gained  ;  more  stubborn  in  the  root ;  higher  toward  heaven  in  the  branch  ; 
and  '  as  a  tall  tree,  and  as  an  oak  where  substance  is  in  them  when  they 
cast  their  leaves,  so  the  holy  seed  is  in  the  midst  thereof  " 


CENTENNIAL   HYMN. 

REV.   D.    K.   FREEMAN,   D.D. 

Our  fathers'  God,  to  thee  we  raise 
The  anthem  of  our  grateful  praise. 
Inspire  each  thought,  rejoice  each  heart, 
The  spirit  of  thy  grace  impart. 

Within  these  hallowed  walls  we  meet. 
Thy  goodness  through  the  past  repeat. 
Rich  mercies  crown  the  era  done, 
O  Saviour !  bless  the  opening  one. 

The  century  fell  "  from  out  thy  hand," 
The  days  and  hours  "  like  grains  of  sand," 
The  church  our  fathers  planted  then 
We  consecrate  to  thee  again. 


I04  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

The  people  thou  hast  led,  through  years 
Of  joys  and  sorrows,  hopes  and  fears, 
Lead  on  ;  bring  all  within  thy  fold ; 
Let  the  new  age  surpass  the  old. 


CLOSING   PRAYER   OF   THE   CENTENNIAL   SERVICES. 

REV.    ROBERT   F.   WILSON. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  we  come  at  the  close  of  this  inter- 
esting Centennial  service  to  render  to  thee  our  united  thanks  for  all  the 
way  in  which  thou  hast  led  us  and  our  fathers  before  us. 

We  e.xpress  to  thee  our  heartfelt  gratitude  for  what  they  and  we  as  a 
Presb)i;erj',  under  thy  guiding  hand  and  assisting  grace,  have  accom- 
plished in  the  century  past. 

For  all  the  manifold  good  the  generations  preceding  achieved,  of 
which  our  ears  have  heard  and  which  our  eyes  have  seen  and  which  our 
hearts  have  experienced,  coming  down  to  us  through  all  these  eventful 
j'ears,  we  unitedly  give  to  thee,  our  Lord  and  Redeemer,  thanksgiving 
and  praise.  Thy  loving-kindness  and  forbearing  mercy  have  been  vouch- 
safed to  us  as  a  Presbytery  during  all  the  coming  and  going  years  which 
to-day  complete  our  Presbyterial  century.  And  now  as  we  leave  the 
past,  filled  as  it  is  with  hallowed  memories,  and  turn  our  view  and 
thought  to  the  future  where  duty  and  responsibility  await  us,  help  us, 
blessed  Jesus,  to  address  ourselves  anew  to  the  discharge  of  obligations, 
as  they  meet  us,  with  increasing  diligence,  zeal,  and  fidelity. 

Heavenly  Father,  we  do  entreat  thee  to  grant  us  needful  wisdom  to 
guide  us  in  the  right  way,  to  aid  us  in  the  performance  of  duty,  and  to 
keep  us  in  all  the  coming  years  loyal  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord  and  Master.  Help  us  to  gather  fresh  encouragement  and  in- 
spiration from  our  review  of  God's  faithfulness  to  us  as  a  Presbytery 
hitherto,  to  ner\'e  and  strengthen  us  for  all  the  future. 

And  now  may  the  Presbyterial  vantage  gained  by  reason  of  a  cen- 
tur>''s  experience  serve  to  make  the  Presbytery  more  and  more  efficient 
in  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  to  the  Father,  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost  shall  be  all  the  praise,  now  and  forever.     Amen. 


I'ASlOKb. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  I05 


HISTORICAL  SKETCHES   OF  THE   FOLLOWING 

CHURCHES. 


ALEXANDRIA. 


This  church,  including  the  old  Hart's  Log  Church,  by  which  it  was 
first  known,  is  the  oldest  of  any  denomination  in  this  region  of  the  State. 
The  Hart's  Log  Church  merged  into  the  present  Alexandria  Presbyterian 
Church  in  1830.  The  earliest  records  we  have  are  dated  1786,  when  a 
house  of  worship  was  built  for  the  Hart's  Log  congregation  one  mile 
north  of  the  present  town  of  Alexandria,  where  the  old  burying-ground 
is  still  to  be  seen.  But  we  have  reasons  to  believe  that  the  congrega- 
tion was  in  existence  for  a  considerable  time  prior  to  this. 

The  Presbyterians  were  the  pioneers  of  this  region,  some  of  whom, 
such  as  Charles  and  Robert  Caldwell,  James  and  John  Dean,  Peter 
Graffius,  and  others  who  might  be  named,  were  actors  in  the  Indian 
troubles  during  the  Revolutionary  War;  and  from  what  we  know  of 
those  sturdy  old  Scotch-Irish  Presbyterian  pioneers,  it  may  be  presumed 
that  the  Presbyterian  faith  and  form  of  worship  were  observed  at  least 
ten  years,  and  perhaps  longer,  previous  to  the  records  in  our  possession 
dated  1786.  The  house  of  worship  referred  to,  built  for  the  Hart's  Log 
congregation,  was  a  very  primitive  affair ;  it  was  built  of  logs,  with  a 
ground-floor,  exposed  rafters,  and  rudely  seated.  Occasionally  serpents 
crawled  in  during  service  and  upset  the  equilibrium  of  the  staid  wor- 
shippers. The  swallows  also,  as  of  old  in  the  tabernacle,  found  nests 
for  themselves  amid  the  rafters.  This  building  was  used  for  some 
years  without  the  luxury  of  a  stove,  during  which  time  some  of  the 
more  enterprising  members  supplied  themselves  with  warming-pans  and 
foot-stoves.  After  using  this  building  for  about  twenty  years,  the  con- 
gregation built  a  stone  church  nearer  to  Ale.xandria,  which  was  then 
something  of  a  village,  but  the  material  yielded  so  rapidly  to  the  ele- 
ments that  the  building  was  considered  unsafe,  and  they  returned  to  the 


Io6  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

old  log  church.  This  church  became  divided  in  1814  on  account  of 
differences  of  opinion  concerning  the  war  with  Great  Britain,  which  was 
then  drawing  to  a  close.  A  part  of  the  congregation  took  offence  at  a 
political  sermon  preached  by  the  pastor,  Rev.  John  Johnston,  and  with- 
drew and  worshipped  in  Alexandria.  The  Rev.  John  Johnston  was 
installed  pastor  of  the  Hart's  Log  Church  in  November,  1787.  His 
pastorate  here  continued  until  April,  1823.  In  June,  1825,  Rev.  John 
Peebles  was  called  to  this  church,  to  which  he  gave  one-third  of  his 
time,  and  which  he  served  until  1830.  The  balance  of  his  time  he  gave, 
to  Huntingdon.  The  disaffected  element  who  seceded  from  the  Hart's 
Log  Church  in  1814  continued  to  worship  in  Alexandria,  but  they  were 
not  fully  organized  until  18 19.  Rev.  James  Thompson  was  installed 
their  first  pastor  on  the  19th  of  April,  18 19.  He  continued  their  pastor 
until  the  8th  of  October,  1830,  when  he  was  called  to  his  reward.  Mr. 
Thompson  was  a  faithful  and  efficient  pastor.  His  people  showed  their 
appreciation  of  him  by  erecting  a  beautiful  marble  slab  over  his  grave. 
A  new  church  was  built  during  his  pastorate. 

Soon  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Thompson,  Mr.  Peebles  resigned  his 
charge  at  Hart's  Log,  generously  gave  up  one-third  of  his  salary  in  the 
interests  of  peace,  and  advised  the  two  churches  to  unite,  which  they 
did  soon  afterwards  with  one  hundred  and  forty  members.  They  united 
at  Alexandria,  and  hence  this  church  became  the  lineal  descendant  of 
the  old  Hart's  Log  Church. 

The  first  pastor  after  the  reunion  was  Rev.  Samuel  Wilson,  who  was 
installed  November,  1832,  and  served  the  church  four  years  and  six 
months.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  John  McKinney,  who  was  installed 
in  May,  1838,  and  continued  as  pastor  until  June,  1848.  The  next  pas- 
tor was  Rev.  George  Elliot,  who  was  installed  in  June,  1849;  ^^  co^a- 
tinued  a  faithful  pastor  until  April,  1858,  when  he  resigned.  The  church 
was  then  supplied  for  several  months  by  Rev.  D.  A.  Happen  The  Rev. 
S.  T.  Lowrie  was  installed  pastor  in  December,  1858;  he  remained 
pastor  until  April,  1863.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  S.  M.  Moore;  he 
was  installed  in  November,  1863;  his  relations  to  the  church  were  dis- 
solved in  October,  1870,  having  served  the  church  for  seven  years.  The 
Rev.  J.  C.  Barr,  the  next  pastor,  was  called  July  15,  1871,  and  installed 
the  following  November;  he  continued  to  serve  the  church  faithfully  as 
pastor  until  October  6,  1885,  a  period  of  about  fourteen  years.  The 
next  pastor  was  Rev.  A.  H.  Jolly,  who  was  called  January  13,  1886, 
and  installed  in  the  following  June.     His  relations  to  the  church  as 


ALbXANUKlA. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  I07 

pastor  were  dissolved  in  August,  1893,  after  serving  the  church  about 
eight  years.  During  his  administration  a  mission  chapel  was  built  in 
the  valley,  which  continues  under  the  care  of  this  church.  The  present 
pastor,  Rev.  W.  E.  Stewart,  was  called  November  16,  1893,  entered  the 
field  December  i,  and  was  installed  in  June,  1894. 

The  first  record  that  we  have  of  the  election  of  elders  in  the  Hart's 
Log  Church  is  dated  September  10,  1787.  The  persons  elected  were 
James  Dean,  George  Gray,  Thomas  McCune,  and  William  McCoy. 
The  next  year  Edward  Hunter  and  David  Stewart  were  elected.  In 
May,  1796,  Matthew  Gray,  David  Caldwell,  and  John  Dean  were  chosen. 

At  the  reunion  the  Session  of  each  of  the  two  churches  resigned  and 
new  elders  were  chosen,  some  of  which  had  served  before.  Those 
elected  were  John  Dean,  John  Gahagan,  David  Tussey,  William  Stewart, 
George  Wilson,  and  John  Porter ;  the  first  three  were  chosen  from  the 
Hart's  Log  part  of  the  congregation  and  the  last  three  from  the  Alex- 
andria. 

Mr.  John  Porter  served  as  clerk  of  the  united  Session  for  fifty-six 
years,  keeping  the  records  in  a  very  neat,  methodical  manner.  He  also 
served  as  superintendent  of  the  Sabbath-school  for  fifty-two  consecutive 
years,  lacking  a  few  weeks.  In  this  capacity  he  was  much  beloved  by 
the  young,  over  whom  he  exercised  an  excellent  influence  for  good ; 
and  it  is  due  this  good  man  to  say  that  in  all  his  relations  in  life  he  was 
an  exemplary  Christian. 

In  1 84 1,  James  Davis,  Christian  Sheller,  William  Shaw,  and  D. 
Houtz,  M.D.,  were  chosen  elders.  In  185 1,  Peter  Stryker,  J.  M.  Gem- 
mill,  M.D.,  and  George  Stiner  were  elected.  In  1859,  John  Gemmill, 
John  Dysart,  and  Patrick  Davis  were  elected.  In  1869,  Samuel  Hat- 
field, John  A.  Whittaker,  James  McElroy,  and  Samuel  Patterson  were 
selected.  In  February,  1878,  William  Stryker,  James  H.  Dysart,  and 
Alfred  Porter  were  elected.  In  January,  1888,  Charles  P.  Hatfield, 
George  B.  Porter,  W.  S.  Livingston,  and  William  A.  Whittaker  were 
chosen. 

The  present  membership  of  this  church  is  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
one.  It  is  harmonious,  well  organized,  and  in  good  running  condition. 
The  Session  is  composed  of  men  of  judgment  and  wisdom.  The 
borough  cemetery,  which  has  been  recently  enlarged  and  beautified 
through  the  liberality  of  Mr.  William  Thompson,  of  Philadelphia,  and 
Mr.  W.  H.  Wolverton,  of  New  York,  is  the  property  of  this  congrega- 
tion.    This  church  has  been  the  feeder  of  a  number  of  Presbyterian 


I08  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

congregations  within  a  radius  of  ten  miles,  notably  Tyrone.  The 
churches  of  Sinking  Valley,  Spruce  Creek,  and  Shavers  Creek  were  all 
organized  after  the  Hart's  Log. 

The  present  church  edifice  is  a  substantial,  commodious,  home-like 
brick  structure  of  two  stories,  furnished  with  a  handsome  pipe-organ, 
surrounded  with  a  beautiful  grove,  and  is  in  every  way  a  desirable 
church  home.  It  was  built  in  1S51,  during  Rev.  George  Elliot's  pas- 
torate. It  has  been  the  church  home  of  doctors,  lawyers,  ministers, 
statesmen,  and  successful  business  men,  notably  Hon.  John  Scott,  ex- 
United  States  senator,  Hon.  H.  J.  IMcAteer,  ex-State  senator,  who  is  at 
present  a  member,  J.  M.  Gemmill,  M.D.,  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania, 
Rev.  Henrj'  Van  Dyke,  D.D.,  New  York,  Rev.  T.  Calvin  Stewart, 
Easton,  Pennsylvania,  Rev.  T.  C.  Porter,  D.D.,  Easton,  Pennsylvania, 
Jacob  Stewart,  Esq.,  Easton,  Pennsylvania,  and  others. 

The  present  officers  are :  Elders,  Alfred  Porter  (clerk),  J.  A.  Whit- 
taker,  Charles  P.  Hatfield,  William  Whittaker,  and  William  Stryker. 

Trustees,  John  Hatfield,  Henry  W.  Swope,  Benjamin  Hatfield,  Wilson 
Robb,  William  Work,  Calvin  Laird,  and  Calvin  Porter. 

Deacons,  Hon.  H.  J.  McAteer,  Calvin  Porter,  and  Enoch  Kline. 

Henrj'  W.  Swope,  president  board  of  trustees,  and  John  Phillips, 
treasurer;  William  Stryker,  Sabbath-school  superintendent. 

The  writer  of  this  sketch  begs  to  acknowledge  his  indebtedness  to 
the  historical  sermons  of  Rev.  J.  C.  Barr  for  data. 


W.  E.  Stewart. 


Xovember  11,  1895. 


ALTOONA   FIRST. 


The  First  Presbyterian  Church,  the  natural  and  nursing  mother 
of  all  churches  of  that  denomination  now  in  the  city  of  Altoona,  was 
organized  November  8,  1852.  The  elders  then  chosen  were  John 
McCartney,  Jonathan  Hamilton  (only  one  now  living),  John  Hutchison, 
G.  D.  Thomas,  M.D.,  and  James  L.  Gwin. 

The  first  building  was  erected  on  what  is  known  as  Gospel  Hill,  now 
occupied  by  the  pleasant  home  of  William  Murray,  Sr.,  for  many  }'ears 
an  active  elder  of  this  church  (now  retired).  That  building  was  burned 
Sabbath  morning,  March  4,  1855,  just  as  the  people  were  assembling  for 
worship.      Two  lots  were  then  purchased  on  what  is  now  Eleventh 


^^0/^f''^^^'^ 


ALTOONA,    KIRST.       PASTORS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  I09 

Avenue  (///r  Virginia  Street),  and  the  present  edifice  built  there  in  the 
year  1855. 

The  village  of  that  day  seems  to  have  resembled  the  anatomy  of  the 
crane,  and  these  builders  had  no  dream  of  a  city  of  fifty  thousand,  there- 
fore desired  to  place  the  church  in  the  midst  of  the  village  and  on  the 
main  and  almost  only  passage-way  through  it.  Now  they  would  gladly 
be  farther  from  the  shriek  and  rattle  and  rumble  and  ding-dong  of  steam- 
cars,  trolleys,  and  the  roar  of  city  business  that  have  too  little  regard 
for  the  Lord's  da)-,  the  Sabbath.  But  then  they  could  buy  for  fifteen 
hundred  dollars  what  is  valued  to-day  at  fifty  thousand  dollars. 

In  November,  1854,  Rev.  A.  B.  Clark  was  chosen  the  first  pastor, 
which  ofifice  he  is  said  to  have  filled  with  acceptance  and  efficiency  until 
April  1 1,  1S63,  at  which  date  he  resigned.  The  records  of  this  pastorate 
are  too  meagre  to  learn  much  concerning  it.  That  was  not  the  day  of 
full  records  and  figuring  out  great  results. 

January  25,  1864,  Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace,  D.D.,  was  chosen  pastor. 
This  was  a  time  of  war  and  secession.  In  that  period  the  Second 
Church  went  out  from  the  First ;  yet  certainly  not  from  a  spirit  of  re- 
bellion or  secession,  we  believe,  but  assured  the  mother  family  was  large 
enough  to  spare  them,  and  their  duty  to  the  Lord's  house  was  to  set  up 
another  family  and  gather  children  of  their  own;  therefore,  June  21, 
1869,  the  Second  Church  was  organized  with  forty  charter  members  from 
the  First  Church,  and  now  enrolls  between  seven  and  eight  hundred  mem- 
bers.    Dr.  Wallace's  pastorate  closed  June  8,  1875,  by  resignation. 

Rev.  M.  N.  Cornelius,  next  pastor,  began  his  ministry  January  i, 
1876.  This  )-ear  opened  with  large  accessions,  the  first  communion 
twenty-eight  were  received  from  the  Sabbath-school.  From  reports. 
Dr.  Cornelius  was  evidently  very  popular,  both  inside  and  outside  his 
congregation;  although  afflicted  with  lameness,  as  a  pastor  he  excelled, 
and  as  a  preacher  he  was  ready,  fluent,  and  entertaining.  His  pastorate 
closed  by  resignation  in  May,  1885.  Just  one  year  later.  May,  1886, 
Rev.  J.  W.  Bain  began  his  pastorate,  and  occupies  the  pulpit  at  the 
present  date.  The  roll  at  that  time  contained  four  hundred  and  eighty- 
four  names ;  to  these  have  been  added  four  hundred  and  twenty-four, 
and  had  all  been  retained  the  number  would  now  be  nine  hundred  and 
eight,  but  we  know  where  many  of  them  have  gone.  When  the  number 
reached  six  hundred  we  believed  it  a  duty  to  swarm.  As  small  congre- 
gations are,  in  proportion,  more  efficient  than  large  ones,  we  have  never 
permitted  our  roll  to  exceed  five  hundred  and  fifty  or  six  hundred.     And 


no  THE   CEXTEXXIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

the  rapid  growth  of  the  city  demanded  that  we  multiply  Presbyterian 
churches  if  we  were  going  to  occupy  and  till  our  field.  Therefore,  on 
January  14,  1S89,  the  Third  Church  was  organized,  to  which  we  dismissed 
fourteen  charter  members;  on  July  18,  1892,  the  Fourth,  or  Juniata, 
Church  was  organized,  to  which  we  dismissed  thirteen  charter  members  ; 
and  on  September  15,  1892,  the  Fifth,  or  Broad  Avenue,  to  which  we 
dismissed  six  charter  members.  To  all  these  new  organizations  the 
First  Church  has  since  contributed  liberally  both  money  and  members, 
and  they  now  number  from  one  hundred  to  three  hundred  members 
each,  and  give  good  promise  of  growth  spiritually  and  financially,  as 
one  of  them  will  soon  finish  one  of  the  finest  church  buildings  in  the 
city. 

Of  the  present  pastorate,  the  incumbent  is  only  willing  to  say  he 
hopes  it  has  been  as  pleasant  and  profitable  to  every  member  and  hearer 
as  to  himself  His  salary  has  been  fully  and  promptly  paid  ever)-  month, 
and  there  has  not  been  war  and  worry  enough  to  gray  a  single  hair 
since  he  came.  More  than  this  it  would  not  be  proper  to  say,  as  like 
Tennyson's  brook,  it  is  still  running  on,  with  murmurs  and  ripples 
enough  to  prove  it  is  still  a  living  stream.  When  the  pastorate  ends, 
others  can,  if  they  wish,  estimate  it  and  write  its  record. 

The  church  is  at  the  present  officered  by  strong  and  faithful  men  and 
helped  by  scores  of  fervent,  devoted  women.  The  present  able  and 
intelligent  Session  are  Jonathan  Hamilton,  the  saintly  patriarch  of  the 
Session,  passing  from  four-  to  fivescore  years,  William  ^Murray,  Sr.  (re- 
tired), Benjamin  F.  Custer,  T.  M.  Wiggins,  A.  C.  Shand,  Morris  Davis, 
Samuel  Patterson,  Professor  D.  S.  Keith,  William  Black,  J.  G.  Hirst. 

With  a  convenient  and  commodious  building,  in  a  pleasanter  location, 
the  First  Church  will  continue  its  great  power  and  usefulness  in  this 
needy,  industrious,  and  rapidly-growing  city  until  the  end  and  the 
exaltation  come. 

J.  W.  Bain.  . 


ALTOONA   SECOND. 

About  one  hundred  years  ago  our  grandmother  church  was  organ- 
ized in  Hollidaysburg,  and  was  nourished  not  only  by  the  membership 
there,  but  received  no  little  vitality  from  that  beautiful  %'alley  to  its  south- 
east known  as  Scotch  Valley.     Having  from  its  early  history  a  very 


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OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDON.  Ill 

decided  leaning  towards  missionary  work,  we  find,  as  early  as  1824,  its 
pastor,  the  Rev.  James  Galbraith,  was  doing  this  work  in  this  neighbor- 
hood, and  held  the  first  services  within  the  bounds  of  Altoona,  preaching 
in  what  was  then  known  as  the  "  Black  Oak  Rock"  school-house,  our 
late  elder,  James  Hutchison,  being  present.  The  Rev.  W.  J.  Gibson,  D.D., 
afterwards  preached  in  the  old  Union  school-house  in  1838,  and  was 
succeeded  by  that  sturdy  old  divine,  Rev.  David  McKinney,  D.D.,  with 
whom  recollections  of  the  Shorter  Catechism  are  associated.  He 
preached  in  the  same  place  about  1842. 

The  citj'  of  Altoona  was  founded  near  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth 
centun,-,  and  its  rapid  growth  very  soon  drew  many  Christians  of  various 
denominations,  and  as  Presbyterians  are  usually  thrifty  in  business,  they 
were  naturally  drawn  to  the  place,  and  at  an  early  date  the  church  was 
organized.  This  was  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Altoona,  and  in 
1854  called  to  its  pastorate  the  Rev.  A.  B.  Clark,  who  served  that  church 
until  his  death,  in  June,  1863.  The  Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace,  D.D.,  was 
his  successor;  he  was  pastor  of  this  church  from  1864  until  June, 
1875.  During  the  years  of  his  pastorate  the  church  grew  in  numbers 
and  in  efficiency  until  the  building  was  too  small  to  accommodate  the 
congregation.  The  rapid  growth  of  the  city  was  such  that  it  became 
necessary  that  a  new  organization  should  be  effected  and  a  new  church 
building  erected.  This  was  suggested  as  early  as  1869,  and  a  meeting 
was  called  to  consider  this  question  ;  this  meeting  was  held  at  the  home 
of  William  jNI.  Lloyd,  at  which  the  following  persons  were  present:  Mr. 
Lloyd,  Thomas  ]\IcCauley,  Joseph  Dysart,  James  Hutchison,  Daniel 
Laughman,  Charles  J.  ^lann,  Dr.  J.  I\L  Gemmill,  S.  C.  Baker,  and  per- 
haps one  or  two  others.  These  were  not  the  only  ones  identified  with 
the  movement,  for  James  H.  Dysart,  John  M.  Campbell,  and  John  H. 
Converse  were  present  at  subsequent  meetings. 

After  careful  deliberation,  a  petition  was  presented  to  the  Session  of 
the  First  Church,  praying  them  to  unite  with  the  petitioners  in  requesting 
the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  to  organize  a  Second  Presbyterian  Church 
at  Altoona ;  and  as  a  result  of  this  action  the  Presbytery  appointed  the 
following  committee  to  organize  a  church,  if  the  way  be  clear:  the  Rev. 
S.  M.  Moore,  D.D.,  Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace,  D.D.,  Rev.  R.  H.  Campbell, 
and  Elder  Jonathan  Hamilton.  This  committee  met  and  organized  the 
Second  Church  of  Altoona  on  the  evening  of  June  21,  1869.  This  meet- 
ing was  held  in  the  First  Church,  and  the  following  persons  were  the 
original    members :   John    M.   Campbell,   Mrs.   Cornelia    M.   Campbell, 


113  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

James  Knox,  John  Sliafer,  Mrs.  Mary  Shafer,  Wni.  M.  Lloyd,  Mrs.  Jane 
E.  Lloyd,  John  McCf)rniick,  Miss  Mary  McCormick,  H.  L  Simpson, 
Cornelius  Campbell,  Mrs.  Lizzie  Campbell,  Miss  Nannie  Craig,  Mrs. 
Lavinia  Plowman,  Hugh  A.  Campbell,  Mrs.  A.  E.  Campbell,  Miss  Fannie 
M.  Campbell,  Thomas  McCaulcy,  Dr.  J.  M.  Gemmill,  Mrs.  Anna  T. 
Gemmill,  Miss  L.  G.  Wallace,  Daniel  Laughman,  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Laugh- 
man,  Miss  Annie  M.  Laughman,  John  M.  15o\vman,  Joseph  Dysart,  Mrs. 
M.  A.  Dysart,  Miss  Ella  M.  Dysart,  Miss  Emma  Dysart,  Miss  Lizzie 
Dysart,  Charles  J.  Mann,  Mrs.  Ann  Mann,  James  Hutchison,  Mrs.  Mary 
Hutchison,  Miss  Ann  Hutchison,  Miss  Jennie  Scott,  Miss  Anna  Barnes, 
Miss  Annie  H.  Baker,  John  Miller,  Mrs.  Mary  Miller,  Miss  Ellen  Miller, 
Miss  Martha  Miller,  Miss  Clara  Miller,  Mrs.  Anna  M.  Osterloh,  Miss 
Maggie  Campbell,  Miss  Harriet  Foster,  James  H.  Dysart.  The  Rev. 
Dr.  Moore,  of  Tyrone,  preached  the  sermon.  The  following  officers 
were  elected : 

Elders,  James  Hutchison,  J.  M.  Campbell,  and  James  H.  Dysart. 

Deacons,  Charles  J.  Mann  and  Daniel  Laughman. 

Trustees,  Wm.  M.  Lloyd,  S.  C.  Baker,  Thos.  McCauley,  Joseph 
Dysart,  John  H.  Converse,  and  Dr.  J.  M.  Gemmill. 

Deacons  and  elders  served  in  the  same  capacity  in  the  mother  church. 

The  trustees  decided  in  the  first  meeting,  which  was  held  in  Bell's 
Hall,  July  6,  1869,  that  the  new  church  should  be  located  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Bell's  Hall  was  located  at  the  corner 
of  Seventh  Avenue  and  Twelfth  Street,  and  was  rented  and  fitted  uj)  to 
be  a  temporary  place  for  the  Sabbath-school  and  church  services.  The 
first  public  service  was  held  in  Bell's  Hall  on  Sunday,  July  1 1,  1S69,  and 
conducted  by  the  Rev.  C.  S.  Kitchell,  after  which  time  regular  services 
both  Sunday  and  Wednesday  evening  were  held. 

As  an  indication  of  the  necessity  of  this  organization,  it  may  be 
mentioned  that  at  the  first  anniversary  held  in  the  City  Hall,  Sunday, 
July  17,  1870,  the  main  school  numbered  three  hundred  and  one,  and 
the  infant  department  one  hundred  and  twenty-six  scholars,  with  eight 
officers  and  thirty-seven  teachers.  The  first  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  that  was  observed  was  Sunday,  August  29,  1869,  being  admin- 
istered by  Rev.  D.  X.  Junkin,  D.D.  Monday,  August  30,  1869,  was  set 
aside  as  the  day  for  the  baptism  of  the  children,  being  the  first  in  the 
history  of  the  congregation.  Monday,  September  20,  1869,  at  a  congre- 
gational meeting,  the  Rev.  David  Hall,  of  Mansfield,  Ohio,  was  elected 
pastor,  but  declined  to  accept  the  call.     However,  some  time  later  the 


ALTOUNA,   ShCONU. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDON.  II3 

call  was  renewed  and  again  declined.  April  5,  1870,  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  H. 
Mathers  acting  as  moderator,  a  unanimous  call  was  made  to  Licentiate 
W.  J.  Chichester,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Baltimore,  who  was  attending  the 
Western  Theological  Seminary.  This  call  was  accepted  on  condition 
that  he  be  permitted  to  continue  his  studies  during  the  next  year  at 
Princeton.  The  congregation  accepted  this  condition,  and  he  was  not 
installed  until  the  second  Tuesday  of  June,  1871.  At  the  installation 
the  Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace,  D.D.,  presided,  and  proposed  the  constitutional 
questions;  the  Rev.  D.  H.  Barron,  D.D.,  preached  the  sermon;  the  Rev. 
S.  M.  Moore,  D.D.,  charged  the  pastor,  and  the  Rev.  O.  O.  McClain, 
D.D.,  charged  the  people.  During  the  interval  between  Mr.  Chichester's 
call  and  installation  the  church  was  supplied  by  various  ministers,  but 
Rev.  Stuart  Mitchell,  D.D.,  acted  as  stated  supply  from  October,  1870, 
until  June  i,  1871. 

The  ground  upon  which  the  present  church  is  located  was  purchased 
from  Mr.  Clement  Jaggard  in  1870  for  four  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 
Subscriptions  were  received  for  building  a  chapel  and  Sunday-school 
room,  amounting  to  fourteen  thousand  three  hundred  and  twenty-three 
dollars.  Mr.  Joseph  Dysart  superintended  the  building  of  this  structure, 
the  work  being  commenced  in  September,  1870;  and  the  chapel  was 
dedicated  in  April,  1871.  Rev.  Dr.  David  Hall,  of  Mansfield,  Ohio, 
preached  the  dedicatory  sermon.  The  chapel  cost  about  twenty  thou- 
sand dollars.  At  the  dedication  a  subscription  of  seven  thousand  five 
hundred  and  forty-one  dollars  was  made,  but  that  was  insufficient  to 
cancel  the  debt.  The  following  persons  have  served  as  elders  or  deacons 
of  this  congregation  since  its  organization,  including  the  above  named: 
November  22,  1871,  Dr.  J.  M.  Gemmill,  Wm.  M.  Lloyd,  and  Robert  L. 
Gamble  were  elected  elders,  and  John  M.  Bowman  and  Maxwell  Kinkead 
were  elected  deacons.  February  11,  1874,  Charles  J.  Mann  and  Alex- 
ander B.  Findley  were  elected  ruling  elders,  and  John  A.  Castor,  C.  B. 
Bowles,  T.  H.  Wigton,  and  W.  A.  Magee  were  elected  deacons. 

Additional  elders  were  elected  March  28, 1877,  as  follows:  James  D. 
Irvin,  Wm.  J.  Allen,  Joseph  Dysart,  and  S.  M.  Ross  ;  and  deacons,  J.  N. 
Barr,  Harry  Slep,  J.  C.  Wilson,  and  Thomas  E.  Campbell. 

A  congregational  meeting  was  held  April,  1881,  at  which  meeting 
H.  K.  McCauley  and  Wm.  S.  Ross  were  elected  elders;  and  on  May  2, 
1888,  James  D.  Irvin  and  J.  C.Wilson  were  elected  to  the  office  of  ruling 
elder,  while  George  F.  Jackson,  Henry  Canan,  Wm.  R.  Gamble,  C.  Camp- 
bell, George  F.  Armstrong,  and  Calvin  C.  King  were  elected  deacons. 


114  THE   CEiXTENXIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

The  next  election  of  officers  was  held  December  7,  1892,  when  M. 
W.  Thomson  and  T.  H.  Wigton  were  elected  elders,  and  Charles  \V. 
Moore  and  J.  E.  Wallace  deacons. 

During  1872,  1873,  ^"^^  '874  there  seems  to  have  been  a  revival  in 
this  church ;  many  were  added  to  its  membership  on  profession  of  faith. 
It  is  well  to  observe  that  this  occurred  during  the  time  of  great  financial 
depression.  Steps  were  taken  towards  the  erection  of  a  church  building 
proper,  and  the  present  structure  was  decided  upon,  and  the  contract 
awarded  to  a  Mr.  Leach.  Work  was  commenced  in  August,  1875,  and 
the  building  was  dedicated  December  17,  1876.  Rev.  George  P.  Hays, 
D.D.,  preached  the  opening  sermon.  The  cost  of  the  building  was 
thirty-four  thousand  nine  hundred  and  sixty-five  dollars  and  sixty- 
six  cents.  Mr.  Chichester,  the  pastor,  received  a  call  to  the  First 
Church  of  Titusville,  Pennsylvania,  Februarj',  1878,  and  accepted  it. 
June  19,  1878,  a  call  was  tendered  to  the  Rev.  S.  W.  Duffield,  and  was 
accepted  by  him,  he  being  installed  October  7,  1878.  Rev.  J.  C.  Kelly 
presided  and  proposed  the  constitutional  questions ;  the  Rev.  M.  N. 
Cornelius  preached  the  sermon ;  Rev.  George  Duffield,  D.D.,  charged 
the  pastor,  and  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers,  D.D.,  the  people. 

During  the  winter  of  187S  and  1879  provision  was  made  for  the 
establishment  of  a  sinking  fund  for  the  purpose  of  liquidating  the  church 
debt. 

The  State  Sunday-school  Convention  was  held  in  this  church  during 
Mr.  Duffield's  pastorate.  Rev.  Dr.  John  Hall,  of  New  York,  and  Rev. 
P.  S.  Henson,  of  Chicago,  being  present.  April  14,  1885,  "Aunt"  Ann 
Dysart,  a  woman  of  most  lovable  character,  departed  this  life,  leaving 
a  legacy  of  one  thousand  dollars  to  our  church,  which  is  the  only 
bequest  it  has  ever  received  in  its  history.  It  is  stated  that  she  made  a 
personal  gift  of  the  same  amount  to  a  former  pastor.  Mr.  Duffield  re- 
ceived a  call  to  the  Westminster  Church  of  Bloomfield,  New  Jersey, 
December  i,  1881,  and  entered  upon  his  labors  in  his  new  field  Janu- 
ary I,  1882,  and  remained  there  until  his  death.  May  12,  1886. 

From  January  i,  1882,  Rev.  W.  H.  Gill,  D.D.,  of  Westfield,  New 
Jersey,  served  us  as  stated  supply  for  three  months.  September  6,  1882, 
a  call  was  tendered  to  the  Rev.  T.  A.  McCurdy,  D.D.,  of  Wooster,  Ohio, 
but  was  declined.  November  29,  1882,  Rev.  J.  L.  Russell,  of  Philadel- 
phia, was  called  to  be  pastor,  and  accepted  the  call,  being  installed  the 
28th' of  April,  1883.  The  Rev.  M.  N.  Cornelius  presided  and  proposed 
the  constitutional  questions.     The  Rev.  S.  F.  Scovel,  D.D.,  preached  the 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIKGDOy.  II5 

sermon;  Rev.  D.  K.  Freeman,  D.D.,  charged  the  pastor,  and  Rev.  J.  C. 
Kelly  the  people. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Huntingdon  Presbyten.-,  held  in  this  church 
on  the  first  Tuesday  of  December,  1882,  G.  Stuart  Hackett,  one  of  our 
Sunday-school  scholars  and  a  member  of  our  church,  was  to  have  been 
ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry-  to  go  as  a  missionary'  to  Chile,  but,  on 
account  of  physical  disability,  could  not  accept  the  appointment.  He 
was,  however,  licensed  at  the  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  at  Newton 
Hamilton,  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Clairsville,  and  installed  in 
the  church  at  Uniontown,  Ohio. 

During  Mr.  Russell's  pastorate  many  events  of  unusual  interest 
occurred.  October  14,  1883,  the  Reformation  Memorial  was  observed, 
almost  all  of  the  Protestant  churches  of  the  city  taking  part. 

Mr.  ]\Ioody  held  a  series  of  meetings  in  this  church  during  October, 
1885,  which  added  largely  to  its  membership,  as  well  as  to  all  of  the 
other  churches  of  the  city.  During  this  pastorate  the  Daily  Penny 
Offering  Committee  was  appointed  in  1884,  and  that  scheme  was  under- 
taken to  lift  the  church  debt.  This  committee  has  been  very  successful, 
and  it  is  due  to  them  to  make  this  public  acknowledgment  of  their 
services.  I  name  with  pleasure  the  members  :  H.  K.  McCaule\-,  George 
F.  Armstrong,  Cornelius  Campbell,  John  McCormick,  G.  \V.  ^lehaffey, 
who.  on  his  removal  to  Philadelphia,  was  succeeded  by  J.  Elliott  Wal- 
lace. 

On  Sunday,  May  15,  1886,  impressive  memorial  services  were  held 
at  four  o'clock,  in  meniory  of  Rev.  S.  W.  Duffield.  Mr.  Russell  conducted 
the  services,  and  was  assisted  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Bain,  of  the  First  Church. 

The  State  Sunday-school  Convention  was  again  held  in  this  church, 
September  25-27,  1888.  Mr.  Russell  resigned  his  pastorate  December 
15,  1888,  to  accept  a  call  to  the  First  Church  of  Los  Angeles,  Cali- 
fornia, and  a  dissolution  was  effected  December  31. 

About  January  20,  1889,  this  church  sent  out  a  colony  with  some 
additions  from  the  First  Church,  which  formed  the  Third  Church,  in  the 
eastern  portion  of  the  cit\-. 

February  13,  1889,  Rev.  Arthur  W.  Spooner,  of  Elmira,  New  York, 
was  unanimously  elected  pastor  of  this  church,  and  was  installed  on  the 
29th  day  of  April.  The  Rev.  D.  K.  Freeman,  D.D.,  preached  and  pro- 
pounded the  constitutional  questions ;  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Russell,  of  Elmira, 
charged  the  pastor,  and  the  Rev.  J.  R.  Davies,  D.D.,  of  Tyrone,  the 
people. 


Il6  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Tlie  Synod  of  Pennsylvania  met  in  this  church,  October,  1889,  and, 
during  Mr.  Spooner's  pastorate,  the  Young  People's  Ciiristian  Endeavor 
was  organized  both  in  the  senior  and  junior  departments. 

During  the  winter  of  1890  and  189 1  a  remarkable  series  of  revival 
services  were  held  in  our  church  under  the  leadership  of  Re\'.  Mr.  Rees. 
September,  1892,  another  colony  put  off  from  this  church  and  formed 
the  Broad  Avenue. Church.  Mr.  Spooner  made  a  great  effort  to  lift  the 
church  debt,  and  received  enough  subscriptions  to  meet  the  demand,  but 
the  financial  stringency  of  1893  and  1894  hindered  many  from  making 
payments  who  had  made  subscriptions. 

About  February  i,  1893,  Mr.  Spooner  was  called  to  the  First  Church 
of  Camden,  New  Jersey,  which  call  he  accepted,  and  the  pastoral  relation 
was  dissolved,  to  take  effect  April  i,  1893. 

After  Mr.  Spooner  left,  the  Rev.  J.  Elliott  Wright,  D.D.,  of  German- 
town,  ministered  to  us  as  a  stated  supply.  We  made  calls  to  brethren, 
which,  in  the  providence  of  God,  they  thought  it  best  to  decline ;  but,  at  a 
congregational  meeting  held  February  28,  1894,  the  Rev.  Henry  Howard 
Stiles  was  tendered  a  call  by  acclamation,  which  he  accepted,  being  duly 
installed  on  Thursday  evening,  April  19,  1894.  Rev.  J.  W.  Bain  pre- 
sided, and  proposed  the  constitutional  questions ;  Rev.  Joseph  Brown 
Turner,  then  of  the  Broad  Avenue,  now  of  Dover,  Delaware,  preached 
the  sermon;  Rev.  Professor  Thos.  H.  Robinson,  D.D.,  of  the  Allegheny 
Seminary,  charged  the  pastor,  and  the  Rev.  Harvey  Graeme  Furbay, 
Ph.D.,  the  people. 

The  following  ministers  have  gone  out  from  this  church:  M.  Percy 
Grouse,  G.  Stuart  Hackett,  George  Plack,  Albert  E.  McCauIey,  Edward 
W.  McDowell,  Ira  J.  Laughman. 

Since  the  organization  of  this  cluirch,  1869  to  1894,  1083  persons 
ha\'e  been  added  to  it  upon  examination,  681  on  profession  of  faith, 
making  a  total  of  1764;  272  adults  have  been  baptized,  446  infants, 
making  a  total  of  718.  We  have  dismissed  631  to  other  churches,  and 
188  have  died,  making  in  all  819.  For  congregational  expenses  we  have 
contributed  $182,779,  and  for  the  benevolent  work  of  the  church 
$17,404,  or  a  total  of  $200,183. 

Ale.\.  T.  Findlev. 


I 

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< 

o 
o 
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OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  W] 


ALTOONA   THIRD. 

The  germ  from  which  the  Third  Church  of  Altoona  has  grown  was 
a  small  Sabbath-school  of  four  officers,  nine  teachers,  and  fifty-four 
scholars,  which  was  organized  May  6,  i88S,  in  the  chapel  of  the  German 
Baptist  Church  on  Fifth  Street  between  Fifth  and  Sixth  Avenues. 

The  organization  was  effected  by  some  of  the  local  members  of  the 
committee  appointed  by  the  Huntingdon  Presbytery  to  further  the  work 
of  Presbyterian  extension,  together  with  other  members  of  the  First  and 
Second  Churches.  This  continued  to  be  the  meeting-place  of  the  school 
for  several  succeeding  months.  On  December  9  of  the  same  year  the 
first  meeting  was  held  in  the  new  church  building  which  had  been  erected 
under  the  direction  of  Presbytery's  committee,  on  Fifth  Avenue  and 
Second  Street.  The  growth  of  the  school  was  so  promising  that  it  was 
deemed  advisable  to  proceed  to  the  organization  of  a  church.  Accord- 
ingly, on  January  14,  18S9,  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers,  Rev.  J.  W.  Bain,  and 
G.  L.  Myers,  the  committee  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  ap- 
pointed for  the  purpose,  met  with  others  who  were  interested,  and  or- 
ganized the  church  with  thirty-three  members.  Twenty-nine  of  these 
were  received  by  certificate  from  the  other  churches, — the  large  majority 
of  them  from  the  First  and  Second  Churches,  and  four  were  received 
upon  confession  of  their  faith. 

The  following  persons  were  elected  ruling  elders  :  Robert  Stewart,  J. 
D.  Irvin,  J.  M.  Hennaman,  and  A.  L.  Feltwell,  M.D.  All  of  these  are 
yet  in  service,  except  Robert  Stewart,  who  was  removed  by  death  June 
29,  1892.  Since  then  two  others  have  been  added  to  the  Session,  Gabriel 
T.  Hamilton  and  Frank  G.  Fowler,  who  were  elected  September  14,  1892, 
and  still  continue  in  office. 

The  following  persons  were  elected  deacons  at  the  time  of  organiza- 
tion :  Wesley  Reed,  John  H.  Keefer,  and  Harry  S.  McFarlin.  Wesley 
Reed  served  until  January,  1893,  when  he  was  granted  a  certificate  of 
dismissal  to  the  Church  of  Juniata ;  the  others  have  served  until  now. 
Gabriel  T.  Hamilton  and  Frank  G.  Fowler  were  elected  deacons  Febru- 
ary iS,  1 89 1,  and  served  until  their  election  as  elders.  J.  S.  Dougherty 
also  was  elected  deacon  February  18,  1 891,  and  has  continued  to  serve 
until  now.  J.  S.  McCune  and  W.  R.  Guilliford  were  elected  deacons  No- 
vember 23,  1892,  and  both  have  served  until  the  present  time. 

The  Board  of  Trustees  elected  at  the  time  of  the  organization  of  the 


I  I S  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSAR  Y 

church  has  continued  unchanged,  and  is  as  follows :  George  F.  Jackson, 
S.  M.  Griffith,  and  J.  W.  Ickes. 

The  superintendents  of  the  Sabbath-school  in  their  order  and  time 
of  service  are  as  follows:  J.  D.  Irvin,  from  iS8S  until  1891  ;  Silas  M. 
M oyer,  from  1S91  until  1892;  John  H.  Keefer,  from  1892  until  1894; 
J.  S.  McCune,  from  1894  until  the  present  time. 

During  the  first  few  months  of  its  infant  life  the  church  was  supplied 
with  preaching  by  various  ministers  of  this  and  other  Presbyteries.  In 
February,  1889,  special  services  were  conducted  by  Rev.  N.  H.  Miller, 
D.D.,  of  Osceola  Mills,  and  a  number  were  added  to  the  church. 

At  a  congregational  meeting  held  September  11,  1889,3  call  was 
extended  to  Rev.  James  E.  Irvine,  of  Fredonia,  Pennsylvania,  to  become 
pastor  of  the  church.  He  enteced  upon  the  work  November  3,  was 
received  into  the  Presbytery  at  a  meeting  held  in  the  Third  Church 
November  19,  when  the  call  was  formally  placed  in  his  hands  and  ac- 
cepted. The  installation  took  place  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  the 
following  persons  taking  part :  Rev.  John  W.  Bain  preached  the  ser- 
mon ;  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers  charged  the  pastor ;  Rev.  A.  W.  Spooner 
charged  the  people. 

This  pastorate  continues  until  the  present  time.  Various  auxiliary 
societies  have  been  organized  to  assist  in  carrying  on  the  work  of  the 
church.  The  Ladies'  Aid  Society  had  its  beginning  as  early  as  February, 
7,  1889.  Through  the  faithful  efforts  of  this  organization  several  hun- 
dred dollars  have  been  gathered  for  the  purposes  of  the  local  church. 

The  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  came  into  exist- 
ence February  2,  1 890.  This  society  has  been  instrumental  in  evoking 
the  powers  of  the  young  people  for  larger  service  and  in  attracting  others 
to  Christ. 

The  Arbutus  Mission  Band  was  formed  in  February,  1890.  This 
band,  which  has  since  changed  its  name  to  the  Young  Ladies'  Missionary 
Society,  has  awakened  a  lively  interest  in  the  subject  of  missions,  not 
only  on  the  part  of  its  own  members,  but  on  the  part  of  others  who  have 
been  provoked  to  good  works. 

The  Junior  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  which  has 
had  a  name  and  healthy  life  since  September,  1892,  has  done  a  most 
praiseworthy  work  in  sowing  seed  in  the  good  soil  of  the  teachable 
hearts  of  the  little  ones.  • 

Last  of  all,  the  Auxiliary  of  the  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  was   organized   in    September,    1894.      The    members   of  this 


t^\ 


4p 

I    Third (Hvyf^cH 


ALTOONA.       PASTORS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDO.V.  II9 

society  are  in  earnest,  and  already  have  contributed  a  handsome  sum  to 
the  work  of  foreign  missions. 

The  building  in  which  the  church  was  organized  was  erected  at  an 
expense  of  two  thousand  one  hundred  dollars,  and  the  lot  involved  an 
additional  expenditure  of  one  thousand  dollars.  During  the  autumn  of 
1890,  to  meet  the  demands  of  a  growing  congregation,  the  church 
building  was  enlarged  to  almost  double  its  former  capacity  at  an  expense 
of  two  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  This  was  promptly  paid, 
and  the  building  was  dedicated  February  22,  1S91.  Early  in  1893  the 
lot  adjacent  to  the  one  on  which  the  church  building  stands  was  pur- 
chased by  the  trustees  for  the  sum  of  twelve  hundred  and  fifty  dollars, 
nearly  all  of  which  sum  has  been  paid. 

Under  the  goodness  of  God  the  growth  of  this  church  has  been 
constant,  and,  after  the  usual  proportion  of  losses  by  dismissal  and 
death,  the  membership  is  at  present  two  hundred  and  ninety.  A  fair 
proportion  of  this  number  have  come  from  the  world,  but  many  had 
been  faithful  and  efficient  forces  in  other  churches.  Among  the  latter 
are  several  who  have  served  a.s  ruling  elders  elsewhere,  whose  names 
are  as  follows : 

Silas  M.  Moyer,  William  Ashburn,  G.  B.  Hotchkin,  M.D.,  \V.  S. 
Livingston,  and  Wesley  Reed. 

The  Sabbath-school  which  had  so  small  a  beginning  now  reports  a 
membership  of  two  hundred  and  fifty,  with  a  corresponding  increase  in 
the  number  of  officers  and  teachers.  The  people  of  this  church  ought 
to  say,  reverently,  "  Surely  the  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us, 
whereof  we  are  glad." 

J.  E.  Irvine. 

ALTOOXA,  BROAD  AVENUE. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbyterj-  of  Huntingdon,  held  at  Bellwood,  a 
committee,  consisting  of  Revs.  Dr.  Mathers,  Freeman,  Hamill,  Russel, 
and  Bain,  with  laymen  G.  L.  Myers,  Daniel  Laughman,  and  John  A. 
Canan,  of  the  First  Church,  George  F.  Jackson,  G.  F.  Armstrong,  and 
S.  M.  Ross,  M.D.,  of  the  Second  Church,  was  appointed  to  take  charge 
of  the  mission  work  of  the  city  of  Altoona. 

This  committee  purchased  from  T.  H.  Wigton,  Dr.  Baker's  heirs,  and 
Mrs.  James  H.  Djsart  a  lot  fronting  on  Broad  Avenue  between  Twenty- 
fourth  and  Twenty-fifth  Streets  for  the  nominal  sum  of  one  hundred 


I20  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

dollars.  At  this  time  work  which  resulted  in  the  organization  of  the 
Third  Church  being  considered  more  pressing,  nothing  further  was  done 
towards  the  establishment  of  mission  work  on  Broad  Avenue  until  the 
spring  of  1892,  when  a  sub-committee,  consisting  of  John  Lloyd,  John 
A.  Canan,  and  S.  T.  Knox,  was  appointed  by  the  committee  in  charge, 
for  the  purpose  of  determining  a  location,  collecting  funds,  and  arranging 
for  the  organization  of  a  church. 

This  committee  recommended  the  purchase  of  a  lot  on  the  corner 
of  Twent\'-fourth  Street  and  Broad  Avenue  from  J.  D.  Bowman,  for  the 
sum  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  and  the  erection  of  a  chapel 
immediately  which  would  answer  for  the  present  needs  of  a  church. 
This  was  sanctioned  by  the  original  committee,  and  a  chapel  built  at  a 
cost  of  six  hundred  dollars.  Preaching  services  had  been  held  previous 
to  the  completion  of  the  chapel  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Ale.xander  Knox. 
The  first  sermon  was  preached  in  the  chapel  by  the  Rev.  J.  R.  Sampson, 
June  5,  1892.  From  this  time  services  were  regularly  held  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Juniata  congregation  in  the  extreme  opposite  end  of  the 
city  until  the  23d  day  of  October,  when  the  Juniata  Church  called  a 
pastor  for  all  his  time. 

A  Sunday-school  was  organized  June  12,  1892,  with  Mr.  John  A. 
Canan,  sup>erintendent,  J.  W.  Smiley,  assistant,  Elmer  Thomas,  secretary, 
H.  P.  Davis,  treasurer,  John  Martin,  Jr.,  librarian,  Mrs.  J.  VV.  Smiley, 
organist,  and  Miss  Jeannette  Martin,  assistant.  The  attendance  was 
fifty-seven.  At  the  close  of  the  first  midweek  prayer-meeting,  July  6, 
it  was  voted  unanimously  to  ask  Presbytery  for  the  organization  of  a 
church  as  soon  as  the  way  might  be  clear.  Arrangements  were  made 
with  Rev.  John  Gourley  to  act  as  stated  supply  until  the  organization. 
On  September  15,  1892,  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Huntingdon 
Presbytery,  in  session  at  Orbisonia,  July  12,  and  consisting  of  Rev. 
J.  H.  Mathers,  D.D.,  Rev.  J.  \V.  Bain,  Rev.  J.  E.  Irvin,  Rev.  A.  W. 
Spooner,  Rev.  John  Gourley,  and  Elder  John  M.  Heneman,  met  in  the 
chapel  and  effected  the  organization  by  the  reception  of  the  following 
persons:  Mr.  John  Martin,  Sr.,  and  Mrs.  Marj-  Martin,  Mr.  Alexander 
Knox  and  Miss  May  E.  Knox,  Mr.  Robert  Smiley,  Mrs.  Ann  Smiley, 
and  Miss  Agnes  Smiley,  Mr.  James  Smiley  and  Mrs.  Maggie  L.  Smiley, 
Mrs.  Mary  Richards,  Mrs.  Clara  R.  Moyer,  Mr.  H.  P.  Davis  and  Mrs. 
Mary  H.  Davis,  Mr.  Thomas  L.  McNamara  and  Mrs.  Maggie  McNamara, 
Mr.  B.  F.  Henderson  and  Mrs.  Julia  Henderson,  Mrs.  C.  E.  Jones,  Mr. 
James  Shoanfelt,  all  from  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  of  Altoona. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  121 

Mr.  John  A.  Canan  and  Mrs.  Lizzie  M.  Canan,  Mrs.  N.  C.  Morrow, 
Mrs.  Kate  Haines,  Mr.  Elmer  M.  Thomas  and  Mrs.  M.  Maud  Thomas, 
from  the  First  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  S.  H.  Haffley  and  Mrs.  Ella 
Haffley  from  the  Presbyterian  Church,  Olean,  New  York.  S.  T.  Knox, 
a  ruling  elder  from  Duncansville  Presbyterian  Church.  Mrs.  Annie 
Harrison,  St.  Paul's  Lutheran  Church,  Milleville.  The  following  re- 
ceived by  examination,  Mr.  Charles  Harrison,  Mr.  J.  B  Kepperh-,  Mrs. 
H.  S.  Kepperly,  and  Miss  Anna  Belle  Kepperly.  John  M.  Hileman  and 
Mrs.  John  M.  Hileman,  Mrs.  Florence  Stoke. 

A  formal  covenant  was  entered  into,  after  which  the  church  was 
named  the  Broad  Avenue  Presbyterian  Church  of  Altoona,  Pennsylvania. 

It  was  decided  to  elect  three  elders  and  three  deacons  and  that  it 
be  done  by  ballot.  S.  T.  Knox,  J.  \V.  Smiley,  and  John  A.  Canan  were 
nominated  and  the  clerk  instructed  to  cast  the  ballot.  These  persons 
were  elected  and  declared  elders. 

J.  W.  Martin,  J.  W.  Shoenfelt,  and  S.  H.  Haffley  were  elected  deacons. 
These  persons  were  then  regularly  and  solemnly  ordained  and  installed. 
The  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  was  requested  to  enroll  the  church. 

Regular  services  were  conducted  b\-  supplies  until  January',  1893, 
when  a  call  was  made  to  Rev.  Joseph  Brown  Turner,  of  Glenshaw, 
Presbyter)'  of  Alleghany,  who  came  as  pastor  on  the  third  Sabbath  of 
Januar)',  and  was  installed  the  9th  day  of  February,  1893,  who  was 
the  regular  pastor  until  September  23,  1894,  at  which  time  he  accepted 
a  call  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dover,  Delaware.  Under  the  very 
earnest  and  efficient  pastorate  of  Rev.  Turner  the  church  increased  in 
membership  from  forty-three  to  one  hundred  and  eight,  and  was  pro- 
gressing in  ev^ery  way,  ha\ing  a  large  and  increasing  Sabbath-school,  an 
active  Christian  Endeavor  Society,  so  much  that  the  chapel  was  too 
small  for  the  accommodation  of  all,  and  plans  for  a  new  and  larger  church 
building  were  made  and  adopted,  but  owing  to  the  general  financial  de- 
pression and  financial  weakness  of  the  membership,  and  the  need  at 
their  own  home  churches  of  all  their  help  there,  it  was  deemed  pru- 
dent to  delay  the  erection  until  a  little  later,  as  the  location  and  sur- 
roundings demanded  a  better  church  building  than  the  congregation 
were  at  this  time  able  to  erect. 

After  Rev.  Turner  left  for  his  new  field  of  labor,  regular  church 
serv-ices  were  conducted  by  supplies  until  January'  2,  1895,  at  which  time 
a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Howard  N.  Campbell,  of  Martin's  Ferrj', 
Ohio,  who  entered  upon  the  work  the  first  Sabbath  of  Februarj',  and 


122  THE    CENTENKIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

was  installed  Maj'  9.  Under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Campbell  up  to  Au- 
gust I  t\vent)'-four  members  were  added ;  in  all  nineteen  members  were 
dismissed  and  one  called  to  the  church  above,  leaving  our  membership 
one  hundred  and  twelve. 

The  church  is  in  a  prosperous  condition,  having  started  the  erection 
of  the  new  church  to  cost  about  twenty  thousand  dollars.  It  will  be  built 
of  Cleveland  white  stone,  and  will  be  suitable  for  many  years  to  come.* 

In  addition  to  the  officers  at  the  organization,  A.  L.  Hench  was 
made  a  ruling  elder,  having  been  a  ruling  elder  in  the  church  at  Schells- 
burg,  and  the  following  Board  of  Trustees :  John  M.  Hileman,  H.  P. 
Davis,  Joseph  Stoke,  John  A.  Canan,  and  S.  T.  Knox.  Church  treas- 
urer, J.  W.  Smiley. 

The  Sabbath-school  has  increased  from  fifty-seven  to  two  hundred. 
J.  W.  Smiley,  superintendent ;  S.  H.  Haffley,  president  Christian  En- 
deavor Society;  Miss  E.  May  Knox,  superintendent  Junior  Christian 
Endeavor  Society.  A  Woman's  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society, 
Boy's  Brigade,  and  Young  Ladies'  Missionary  Society. 

We  hope  with  the  blessing  of  God  and  presence  of  the  Spirit  to  do 
large  things  for  the  Master  in  this  part  of  his  kingdom. 

S.  T.  Kkox. 


BALD   EAGLE. 


The  Bald  Eagle  Presbyterian  Church  was  organized  at  Martha 
Furnace,  August  30,  1859,  ^Y  ^  committee  of  the  Presbytery,  consisting 
of  Rev.  Dr.  William  J.  Gibson  and  Rev.  Robert  Hamill,  and  ruling 
elders  Moses  Thompson  and  Hugh  Lourimore.  The  organization 
numbered  twentj'-eight  members  from  the  churches  of  Spring  Creek 
and  Bellefonte.  Out  of  this  number  John  I.  Thompson,  Robert  Camp- 
bell, Samuel  McKean,  and  William  Kline  were  chosen  ruling  ciders, 
and,  accepting  the  office,  were  ordained  and  installed  accordingly. 

The  territory  covered  by  the  congregation  includes  that  part  of 
Bald  Eagle  Valley  located  between  Port  Matilda  and  Unionville.  Ser- 
vices are  held  at  these  two  points,  with  an  occasional  service  at  Martha 
Furnace.  The  church  has  been  favored  by  a  succession  of  faithful  pastors 
and  stated  supplies,  under  whose  ministrations  it  has  shared  a  good  de- 
gree of  prosperity.     It  numbers  on  its  roll  at  present  fift>'-two  members. 

*  This  church  has  since  been  erected. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 23 

CHURCH    BUILDINGS. 

The  congregation,  owing  to  its  peculiar  conformation,  found  it  neces- 
sary to  have  two  church  buildings ;  they  accordingly  built  one  at  Union- 
ville  at  a  cost  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  and  another  at  Port 
Matilda,  which  cost  sixteen  hundred  dollars,  both  of  which  are  neat  and 
comfortable  churches,  sufficiently  large  to  accommodate  the  congregations, 
and  are  free  from  debt. 

PASTORS. 

A  few  months  after  the  organization  of  the  church  the  Rev.  S.  M. 
Moore  was  called  to  become  the  pastor,  which  call  accepting,  he  was 
installed  at  Unionville,  January  15,  i860.  He  remained  in  the  pastorate 
two  years,  until  December,  1862. 

The  church  was  then  served  by  supplies  appointed  by  Presbytery  for 
a  short  time,  when  Rev.  William  B.  McKee  was  chosen,  and,  accepting 
the  call,  was  installed  as  pastor  June  17,  1893.  He  was,  at  his  own 
request,  dismissed  in  December,  1867,  after  having  served  the  church  for 
four  and  a  half  years. 

After  being  for  a  time  served  by  temporary  supplies  appointed  by  the 
Presbytery,  the  Rev.  James  P.  Hughes  served  the  church  as  stated  supply 
for  four  years,  from  March,  1869,  to  February,  1873.  In  August,  1873, 
Rev.  J.  V.  R.  Hughes  became  pastor,  and  served  the  church  for  five 
years,  until  October,  1878.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  William 
Prideaux,  who  served  the  church  as  stated  supply  for  four  years,  from 
October,  1882,  to  October,  1886. 

On  January  18,  1887,  Rev.  George  Elliott,  having  been  previously 
called  and  having  accepted  the  call,  was  installed  as  pastor.  He  served 
the  church  until  April,  1895,  over  eight  years,  when  he  was  removed  by 
death.  While  each  of  these  brethren  in  their  turn,  with  their  varied 
gifts,  did  good  work  for  the  Master,  and  the  retirement  of  each  was  felt 
by  the  people,  the  loss  of  no  one  was  more  severely  felt  than  that  of  their 
late  pastor.  Rev.  George  Elliott,  who  from  the  midst  of  his  faithful  and 
successful  labors,  in  an  unexpected  hour,  was  suddenly  severed  from  them 
by  the  hand  of  death,  to  the  great  sorrow  of  a  devoted  people. 

RULING    ELDERS. 

The  congregation,  owing  to  the  extent  of  its  territory,  found  it  neces- 
sary to  have  a  greater  number  of  elders  than  if  it  had  been  more  com- 
pact;   hence   at   the   organization    four   elders  were   chosen, — John    I. 


124  TiVf   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Thompson,  Robert  Campbell,  Samuel  McKean,  and  William  Kline,  each 
located  in  a  different  part  of  the  field. 

In  1864,  James  Sommer%ille  was  added  to  their  number.  In  1865, 
George  Tajlor.  In  1869,  William  Calhoun,  Elias  Turner,  and  Martin 
Adams  were  chosen.  In  1870,  George  Fleck.  In  1S73,  James  M.  Blair, 
M.D.,  John  Alexander,  and  Thomas  Davis.  In  1879,  John  A.  Hunter 
and  Jacob  Cronomiller;  and  in  1891,  Jacob  Woodring,  Budd  Thompson, 
and  George  Alexander. 

Not  personally  acquainted  with  all  of  the  above  named,  the  writer 

may  say,  that  if  those  he  has  not  been  privileged  to  know  were  as  worthy 

as  those  of  his  acquaintance,  the  Bald  Eagle  Church  has  been  favored 

with  a  succession  of  worthy  men  to  fill  the  sacred  and  honorable  office 

of  ruler  in  the  house  of  God. 

Robert  Hamill. 


BEDFORD. 


The  first  religious  ser\'ice  in  Bedford  was  held  in  1763,  by  Rev.  John 
Steel,  a  member  of  the  Presbyter}-  of  Donegal. 

A  church  was  organized  and  had  occasional  supplies  until  1786, 
when  a  call  was  extended  to  the  Rev.  David  Bard  and  accepted. 

The  line  of  pastors  in  this  church  is  as  follows  : 

Name.  Year. 

Rev.  David  Bard 1786-17S9. 

Rev.  Alexander  Boyd 180S-1S17. 

Rev.  Jeremiah  Chamberlain,  D.D 1819-1S22. 

Rev.  Daniel  McKinley,  D.D 1827-1831. 

Rev.  Boj-nard  R.  Hall,  D.D 1S33-1838. 

Rev.  Elbridge  Bradbury 1839-1841. 

Rev.  Alexander  Hebeiton 1843-1844. 

Rev.  W.  M.  Hall i844->847- 

Rev.  W.  L.  McCalla 1S48-1849. 

Rev.  T.  K.  Davis 1850-1855. 

Rev.  R.  F.  Sample 1856-1866. 

Rev.  A.  V.  C.  Schenck 1866-1868. 

Rev.  Robert  F.  Wilson 1868-1878. 

Rev.  John  R.  Henderson 1878-1S80. 

Rev.  Herbert  C.  Cone 1881-1S83. 

Rev.  John  K.  Andrews 1884-1S91. 

Rev.  John  M.  Bamett 1891-1892. 

Rev.  William  H.  Wolverton 1 892-1 895. 

Rev.  George  S.  Bell 1895- 

George  S.  Bell. 


?ctv  W^WatY 


BELLEFONTE.       PASTORS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  125 

BELLEFONTE. 

The  Presb\-terian  Church  of  Bellefonte  has  no  authentic  history- 
prior  to  the  organization  of  Centre  County  in  the  year  1800.  Tradition 
says  that  prior  to  that  time  supplies  were  occasionally  furnished  under 
the  direction  of  the  Presbytery,  but  the  records  of  the  Presbytery  them- 
selves make  no  mention  of  them.  There  is  no  record  in  the  minutes  of 
the  Presbytery  of  the  organization  of  the  church,  but  in  a  note  on  the 
fly-leaf  of  the  minutes  of  the  Session  of  the  church,  made  by  Rev. 
James  Linn  in  1S37,  it  is  stated  as  a  fact  that  the  congregations  of  Belle- 
fonte and  Lick  Run  were  organized  about  the  year  1800.  Other  well- 
known  facts  point  to  this  date  as  probably  conclusi\'e  of  the  fact  of 
organization. 

The  first  call  for  the  services  of  a  pastor  was  presented  to  Mr.  Henry 
R.  Wilson,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  on  the  6th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1S02,  at  which  time  he  was  received  under  the  care  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Huntingdon,  and,  in  accordance  with  the  action  then  taken,  was 
installed  pastor  of  the  united  congregations  of  Bellefonte  and  Lick  Run 
on  the  20th  of  April,  1803,  at  which  time  the  Presbytery  met  in  Belle- 
fonte. He  served  these  churches  with  acceptance  and  success  until  the 
fall  of  1S09,  having  been  at  that  time  appointed  to  a  professorship  in 
Dickinson  College.  Upon  his  first  application  for  a  dissolution  of  the 
pastoral  relation,  both  of  his  congregations  opposed  it,  and  it  was  for  a 
time  denied  by  the  Presbyter}'.  Persisting  in  his  desire  for  a  return  to 
the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  however,  his  wishes  were  finally  acquiesced 
in  by  the  Presbytery,  and  the  pastoral  relation  was  dissolved. 

Rev.  James  Linn,  the  son  of  a  Presbyterian  clergyman,  who  had 
been  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  in  the  fall  of  1808, 
having  been  invited  to  visit  the  congregations  of  Spruce  Creek  and  Sink- 
ing Valley,  was  incidentally  advised  that  the  people  of  Bellefonte  were 
anxious  to  have  him  preach  for  them.  Without  a  single  acquaintance  in 
the  town,  and  with  no  special  invitation  addressed  to  him  directly,  he 
visited  the  congregations  of  Bellefonte  and  Lick  Run,  was  most  cordially 
received  by  the  people,  and  was  in  a  short  time  called  to  the  pastorate 
of  both  churches  with  practical  unanimity.  The  salary  of  his  predecessor 
had  been  four  hundred  dollars.  The  churches  offered  Mr.  Linn  five 
hundred  dollars,  two  hundred  and  eighty  dollars  of  which  was  to  be  paid 
by  Bellefonte  and  two  hundred  and  twenty  dollars  by  Lick  Run,  his  time 


126  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

to  be  divided  in  proportion  to  the  salarj'  paid.  On  the  loth  of  April, 
i8io,  Mr.  Linn  was  dulj'  ordained  and  installed  the  pastor  of  both 
churches.  This  relation  continued  without  interruption  until  November 
I,  1839,  when  the  connection  of  Lick  Run  and  Bellefonte  in  the  support 
of  a  pastor  was  dissolved,  and  Mr.  Linn,  by  a  unanimous  call  from  the 
Church  of  Bellefonte,  became  its  pastor. 

On  the  5th  of  October,  1859,  "^^  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  met  at 
Bellefonte,  and,  in  connection  with  its  meeting,  a  special  service  com- 
memorative of  the  semi-centennial  of  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  Linn  was  held. 
At  that  service  Dr.  Linn  presented  a  narrative  of  fifty  years  in  the  min- 
istry, covering  the  period  of  his  pastorate  of  the  Church  of  Bellefonte. 
Rev.  D.  X.  Junkin,  D.D.,  of  Hollidaysburg,  preached  from  the  text, 
"  Ebenezer,  hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us."  Dr.  Junkin  was  also  the 
author  of  a  Jubilee  Hymn  sung  to  the  tune  "  Zion"  upon  the  occasion. 

HYMN   OF  JUBILEE. 

Come,  thou  gracious  King  of  glory, 

In  this  hour  of  jubilee : 
Whilst  we  tell  the  grateful  story 

Of  deliv'rance  wrought  by  thee, 
Be  thou  present, 

Bid  us  now  thy  glory  see ! 

Bow  thine  ear,  God  of  our  fathers, 

To  our  glowing  songs  of  praise. 
Warming  still,  as  mem'ry  gathers 

Grateful  themes  from  other  days : 
Lord,  we  praise  thee. 

For  thy  grace  in  by-gone  days. 

Thanks  we  give  for  ceaseless  favors 

Following  us  these  fifty  years ! 
Thine  is  love  that  never  wavers, 

Beaming  on,  through  smiles  and  tears ! 
Jubilate, 

Praise  the  grace  of  fifty  years ! 

Thanks  we  give,  that  thou  hast  planted 

On  this  mount  a  chosen  vine ; 
Gracious  rain  and  sunshine  granted. 

Hedged  it  round,  and  called  it  thine. 
Gathering  from  it 

Clustering  grapes  and  generous  wine  ! 


-^1  V 


BEI.LEKONTE. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 27 

Thanks  we  give  that  no  disaster 

Has  laid  waste  thy  heritage ; 
That  our  venerated  pastor, 

As  \ti  youth,  so  now  in  age. 
Tells  of  Jesus 

And  the  heavenly  heritage! 

May  his  life,  O  Lord,  be  precious ; 

Spare  him  to  this  trusting  flock. 
May  his  teachings  long  refresh  us, — 

Lead  us  to  the  sheltering  Rock. 
Saviour,  bless  him, 

Who  so  long  has  fed  this  flock  ! 

And  when,  all  his  labors  ended, 

Life's  last  ebbing  sands  are  told, 
May  the  flock  he  so  long  tended 

Meet  him  in  the  heavenly  fold  ; 
There  to  praise  thee. 

Whilst  eternal  years  are  rolled ! 

Dr.  Linn  continued  to  serve  the  church  as  pastor,  although  repeatedly 
warned  by  advancing  years  and  the  failure  of  his  physical  strength  that 
the  demands  of  the  pastorate  were  too  great.  As  a  consequence.  Rev. 
Joseph  H.  Barnard,  then  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Tyrone,  Birmingham, 
and  Logan's  Valley,  was  called  as  co-pastor  in  October,  i860;  and,  on 
the  2d  of  January,  1861,  was  duly  installed  as  Dr.  Linn's  assistant.  He 
ser\-ed  in  that  capacit}'  with  great  acceptance  and  usefulness,  Dr.  Linn 
occasionally  preaching,  until  the  21st  of  June,  1866,  when,  at  his  request, 
the  relation  between  himself  as  co-pa.stor  and  the  Church  of  Bellefonte 
was  dissolved.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  Rev.  Alfred  Yeomans,  then 
pastor  of  a  church  at  Rochester,  New  York,  was  called  as  co-pastor,  and 
was  installed  by  Presbyter)',  January  3,  1867. 

On  the  23d  of  Februar}',  1868,  Dr.  Linn  died,  in  the  eighty-fifth  year 
of  his  age,  having  been  pastor  of  this  church  for  fiftj'-eight  years,  and 
having  never  had  any  other  pastoral  charge,  except  as  he  served  the 
Church  of  Lick  Run  in  connection  with  Bellefonte, — a  pastoral  connec- 
tion which  is  unique  in  the  history  of  the  Presb>i:ery. 

On  the  22d  of  December,  1868,  upon  the  death  of  Dr.  Linn,  Mr. 
Yeomans  became  pastor  of  the  church ;  and,  on  the  22d  of  December, 
1868,  resigned  in  order  to  accept  the  pastorate  of  the  Central  Church  at 
Orange,  New  Jersey,  made  vacant  by  the  untimely  death  of  his  elder 
brother.  Dr.  Edward  Yeomans. 


128  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

In  the  fall  of  the  year  1869  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  W.  T.  Wylie, 
who  had  been  licensed  and  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia 
of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  1853,  and  was  at  the  time  pastor 
of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  at  New  Castle,  Pennsylvania.  This 
call  remained  in  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery  until  December  following, 
when  it  was  accepted  by  Mr.  Wylie,  and  in  the  following  June,  upon  the 
completion  of  the  present  church  building  and  immediately  prior  to  the 
meeting  for  organization  of  the  Synod  of  Harrisburg,  he  was  installed 
pastor  of  the  church.  This  relation  continued  until  1876,  when  it  was 
dissolved  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Wylie,  in  order  to  enable  him  to  accept 
the  presidency  of  Wilson  College. 

In  the  fall  of  1876,  Rev.  William  Laurie,  who  had  been  licensed  and 
ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  and  was  then  supplying  the 
Presbyterian  Church  at  Pcnn  Yan,  New  York,  was  called  to  the  pastorate 
of  the  church;  and,  on  the  26th  of  December,  he  was  dul>'  installed. 
Dr.  Laurie's  pastorate,  which  still  continues,  has  been  fruitful  of  good 
works.  The  membership  of  the  church  has  steadily  increased,  a  con- 
venient and  commodious  stone  chapel  has  been  built,  the  parsonage  has 
been  enlarged,  and  recently  the  main  auditorium  of  the  church  has  been 
remodelled  and  beautified,  one  of  the  additions  being  a  fine  pipe  organ 
purchased  in  large  part  by  the  ladies  of  the  congregation. 

From  the  organization  of  the  church  until  the  year  i8ig  the  con- 
gregation worshipped  in  the  court-house.  In  that  year  a  square  stone 
church  building  was  erected  on  the  site  of  the  present  edifice.  About 
the  j'ear  1839  this  building  was  taken  down  and  a  new  and  enlarged  edifice 
erected  upon  the  same  site,  whose  Doric  columns  were  the  admiration 
of  the  lovers  of  classic  architecture  in  that  day.  During  the  pastorate 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Yeomans,  in  1868,  an  effort  was  made  to  enlarge  this  edifice 
to  accommodate  the  growing  congregations,  but  in  removing  the  walls 
they  were  found  to  be  unfit  for  the  purpose,  and  the  building  was  taken 
down  and  the  present  church  edifice  erected  in  its  stead.  The  corner- 
stone of  this  building  was  laid  by  Mr.  Yeomans  the  day  upon  which  he 
received  the  invitation  to  visit  Orange  with  a  view  of  taking  up  the  work 
which  had  been  so  seriously  interrupted  by  the  death  of  his  brother. 

The  first  Session  of  the  Church  of  Bellefonte  consisted  of  Colonel 
James  Dunlop,  James  Harris,  Robert  Boggs,  and  James  Foster,  the  first 
two  the  founders  and  principal  promoters  of  Bellefonte.  During  the 
pastorate  of  Mr.  Wilson  there  were  added  to  the  Session  at  different 
times  James  Steel,  George  Williams,  J.  G.  Lowrie,  and  Joseph  Williams. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 29 

During  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  Linn  there  were  added  at  different  times  to 
the  Session  WilUam  Alexander,  Hamilton  Humes,  Thomas  McKee,  Henry- 
Van  Dyke,  James  Irvin,  James  Harris,  Jr.,  WilUam  Baird,  Thomas  M. 
Giffen,  J.  H.  Linn.  Samuel  Linn,  James  Harris,  H.  N.  McAllister,  E.  C. 
Humes,  and  A.  O.  Furst.  In  1873,  during  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Wylie, 
James  L.  Sommerville,  James  A.  Beaver,  and  Isaac  Loss  were  added  to 
the  Session,  and  subsequently,  during  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  Laurie,  J.  C. 
Weaver,  George  L.  Potter,  and  Samuel  Sheffer  have  been  duly  elected 
and  ordained  as  elders. 

About  the  )-ear  1869  new  churches  were  organized  at  Milesburg  and 
Buffalo  Run,  whose  membership  for  the  most  part  consisted  of  colonies 
from  the  parent  church  at  Bellefonte.  Notwithstanding  these  withdrawals, 
the  church  has  steadily  gained  in  membership,  influence,  beneficence,  and 
activity.  When  Dr.  Linn  began  his  service  in  the  church  in  1809  the 
membership  was  about  fifty.     It  now  numbers  about  four  hundred. 

The  first  Sabbath-school  organized  in  Bellefonte,  October,  18 18,  was 
connected  with  this  church,  although  called  at  the  time  "  The  Bellefonte 
Sabbath-Day  School  Association."  John  G.  Lowrie  was  its  superin- 
tendent, and  remained  so  for  many  years,  who,  in  addition  to  his  office 
as  elder,  from  the  year  1805  to  the  year  1840,  when  the  congregation 
entered  its  new  church  edifice,  faithfully  performed  all  the  duties  of 
sexton,  clerk,  collector,  and  treasurer  of  the  congregation  without 
charge.  Dr.  Linn,  the  pastor  of  the  church,  at  times  acted  as  superin- 
tendent, his  assistants  being  at  different  times  Hon.  Samuel  Linn,  James 
A.  Beaver,  James  Harris,  and  A.  O.  Furst.  General  James  A.  Beaver 
was  elected  superintendent  in  1865,  and  continued  uninterruptedly  as  the 
superintendent  for  twenty-two  years.  In  1886,  in  consequence  of  his 
election  as  governor  of  the  Commonwealth,  J.  W.  Gephart  was  elected 
superintendent,  and  has  continued  in  that  position  ever  since. 

This  church  was  one  of  the  early  contributors  to  missions,  its  con- 
tribution of  fifteen  dollars  to  the  missionary  work  of  the  church  being, 
in  1 8 10,  the  only  contribution  from  the  Presbytery  for  that  object.  It 
has  been  faithfully  instructed  in  the  duty  of  Christian  beneficence,  and 
to  this  continued  faithful  instruction  is  due  the  reasonably  fiiithful  dis- 
charge of  duty  which  is  shown  by  its  offerings  for  this  purpose. 

This  sketch  would  not  be  complete  without  making  special  mention 
of  the  Ladies'  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  Societies,  both  of  which 
are  doing  efficient  service  in  the  causes  which  they  represent  respectively, 
and  of  the  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  which,  in  ad- 

9 


130  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

dition  to  its  other  work,  has  organized  a  special  effort  for  providing  for 
the  support  of  a  missionary  in  Laos. 

A.  O.  FURST. 


BETHEL. 


The  church  of  Bethel  was  organized  November  27,  1866;  enrolled 
April  9,  1867.  "Cottage"  Church,  at  the  same  place,  had  been  organ- 
ized in  1854,  but  disbanded  May  30,  1866.  Bethel  has  been  served  in 
connection  with  Petersburg  by  the  same  pastors  and  supplies.  B.  F. 
Brown  was  an  elder,  also  Mr.  Lightner  and  others.  Elmer  Davis  and 
L.  Armstrong  are  the  elders  now.     Its  membership  is  thirty-two. 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


BEULAH. 


The  church  of  Beulah  was  organized  May  18,  1859,  ^^''^h  twenty- 
t^vo  members,  two  of  whom  are  still  members, — Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  W. 
McCully.  William  Hegarty,  William  McCullough,  and  George  W. 
McCully  were  elected  ruling  elders. 

Beulah  Church  is  the  outgrowth  of  a  long  series  of  dissensions  in 
the  Mount  Pleasant  Cross-Roads  Presbyterian  Church  between  some 
members  of  the  Session  and  a  large  part  of  the  congregation. 

Previous  to  the  organization  a  lot  had  been  secured  and  a  building 
committee  appointed  and  all  necessary  arrangements  for  the  erection  of 
a  house  of  worship.  The  date  of  the  dedication  of  this  building  could 
not  be  ascertained,  but  it  was  some  time  in  the  latter  part  of  i860. 

In  the  fall  of  1893  the  congregation  began  the  erection  of  a  new 
church  building  on  a  site  in  the  town  of  Ramey.  The  old  building  was 
a  mile  from  town,  which  had  been  built  many  years  after  the  location  of 
the  church.  This  building  was  dedicated  May  6, 1894,  and  was  destroyed 
by  fire  January  27,  1895.  The  erection  of  a  new  building  almost  the 
same  in  design  as  the  one  burned  was  begun  May  I,  and  is  now  nearing 
completion. 

Rev.  William  M.  Burchfield  supplied  this  church  a  few  months  in 
1 86 1.  Rev.  A.  H.  Halloway  served  as  its  first  pastor  from  1863  to  1867. 
Rev.  William  Prideaux  was  stated  supply  from  1868  to  April  i,  1872. 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDOX.  I3I 

A  call  was  made  out  October  i,  1873,  for  Mr.  William  Gemmill,  a 
licentiate  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery,  which  was  accepted,  and  he  was 
soon  afterwards  ordained  and  installed  as  pastor,  and  remained  until  June, 
1887.  Mr.  A.  L.  R.  Waite,  a  licentiate  of  New  Brunswick,  was  called 
as  pastor,  and  was  ordained  and  installed  by  Presbytery  June  12,  1888; 
he  was  dismissed  April,  1889.  Rev.  L.  L.  Haughawant  was  stated 
supply  March  i,  1890,  to  March  i,  1891.  Rev.  H.  D.  Rex  was  stated 
supply  April  i,  1892,  to  April  i,  1893.  The  present  pastor,  Rev.  J.  E. 
Giffen,  was  called  December  9,  1893,  and  began  his  ministrations  January, 
1894;  installed  May  5,  1894. 

Of  the  three  original  elders,  G.  W.  McCuUy  is  still  a  member  of 
Session  and  the  clerk  of  Session.  William  Hegarty  died  October  23, 
1890.  William  McCullough  ceased  to  act  June  25,  1870,  on  account  of 
age  and  infirmity. 

James  Comely,  William  H.  Edwards,  M.D.,  and  Joseph  McCullough 
were  ordained  and  installed.  Mr.  Comely  was  dismissed  to  Madera 
Presbyterian  Church  at  its  organization,  June  29,  1894.  Dr.  Edwards 
was  dismissed  to  Tyrone  December  24,  1875.  Joseph  McCullough  died 
May  II,  1893. 

William  B.  Whiteside  and  Thomas  Mathers  were  ordained  and  in- 
stalled March  31,  1877.  Mr.  Whiteside  was  dismissed  to  Johnson  City, 
Tennessee,  November  27,  1S85.  Mr.  Mathers  fell  under  the  power  of 
intoxicants  and  was  suspended  June  29,  1883. 

Isaac  Hagerty,  T.  A.  Prideaux,  and  J.  C.  Mullen  were  ordained  and 
installed  April  3,  18S6.  Mr.  Hagerty  was  dismissed  to  Madera  Presby- 
terian Church  at  its  organization,  June  29,  1894. 

The  Session  now  is  composed  of  Elders  McCully,  Prideaux,  and 
Mullen. 

The  church  has  sixt}--nine  members  at  the  present  time. 

A  few  years  after  organization  the  congregation  built  a  parsonage 
near  the  church  building,  and  this  parsonage  was  burned  in  March,  1894. 

J.  E.  Giffen. 


BIRMINGHAM   AND   WARRIOR'S   MARK. 

The  church  at  Birmingham  was  organized  by  the  Huntingdon  Pres- 
bytery on  May  16,  1S35.  The  name  at  the  organization  was  the  Bir- 
mingham Presbyterian  Church,  which  name  remains  unchanged. 


132  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

There  were  sixty-seven  members  at  the  time  of  the  organization. 
The  present  membersliip  is  one  hundred  and  eighty. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Hill  became  the  first  stated  supply  in  June,  1835. 
During  his  ministry  the  congregation  undertook  the  work  of  erecting  a 
house  of  worship, — a  house  forty-five  by  fifty-four  feet,  and  capable  of 
seating  about  three  hundred  people.  This  building  served  the  needs  of 
the  congregation  from  1837  to  1869,  when  the  present  church  was  reared. 

We  quote  from  an  historical  discourse  preached  by  the  Rev.  S.  T. 
Wilson,  D.D.,  "The  only  memorandum  of  this  church  building  which 
has  come  down  to  us  is  a  record  of  five  lines  on  the  cover  of  the  origi- 
nal book  of  Sessional  Records  in  the  handwriting  of  Mr.  John  Owens 
(for  many  years  clerk  of  the  Session),  which  says,  '  The  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  Borough  of  Birmingham  was  dedicated  to  Almighty  God 
by  suitable  religious  services  by  Rev.  Samuel  Hill,  on  the  23d  day  of 
July,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1837.  And  his  text  on  the  occasion  was 
from  the  second  chapter  of  Haggai,  and  first  clause  of  the  ninth  verse, 
'  The  glory  of  this  latter  house  shall  be  greater  than  of  the  former.' 

"  When  it  is  remembered  that  they  were  just  coming  up,  on  this  happy 
occasion,  from  the  old  Baptist  church,  where  they  had  been  holding 
their  services  since  the  organization,  to  this  their  own  new  Presbyterian 
church,  one  wonders  whether  or  not  so  grave  a  man  as  Mr.  Hill  could 
possibly  have  indulged  himself  in  a  little  dry  Irish  humor  in  the  selection 
of  this  text." 

After  a  period  of  great  depression  and  discouragement  from  1845  '^o 
1857,  during  which  many  members  removed  from  the  region  or  became 
lax  in  their  religious  duties,  the  church  was  reorganized  June  12,  1858, 
by  the  Rev.  A.  D.  Happer,  D.D.,  a  missionary  from  China,  who  was  re- 
cuperating in  Pennsylvania.  Total  membership  at  this  reorganization 
forty-eight,  including  nine  of  the  original  sixty-seven,  and  sixteen  re- 
ceived on  that  day.  From  this  period  Warrior's  Mark  has  been  regarded 
as  a  part  of  the  Birmingham  field. 

A  full  history  of  the  Birmingham  Church  must  therefore  include  a 
record  of  the  work  at  Warrior's  Mark.  This  place,  as  early  as  1786,  was 
a  missionary  point,  and  was  supplied  by  appointments  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Carlisle.  In  the  records  are  found  the  names  of  a  Mr.  Caldwell, 
a  probationer,  Rev.  Matthew  Stevens,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Wilson,  a  licentiate 
of  the  Presbytery.  In  April,  1789,  the  Warrior's  Mark  congregation 
united  with  those  of  East  and  West  Penn's  Valley  and  Half  Moon  in 
calling  as  their  pastor  the  Rev.  James  Martin,  who  continued  with  them 


< 

X 

2 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 33 

for  about  six  years,  when  he  gave  up  the  Warrior's  Mark  and  Half  Moon 
end  of  the  charge. 

During  a  portion  of  1794  the  congregations  were  supplied  by  the 
Rev.  James  Johnson,  Rev.  John  Johnson,  and  two  young  licentiates, 
Wiley  and  McLean. 

In  1796  Warrior's  Mark  was  joined  with  the  Spruce  Creek  and  Sink- 
ing Valley  congregations  as  a  field  to  be  supplied  by  Presbytery.  In 
1798  Spruce  Creek  and  Sinking  Valley  united  in  calling  a  pastor  for 
themselves,  leaving  out  the  Warrior's  Mark  congregation,  after  which  it 
became  extinct. 

Without  any  positive  data  to  go  upon,  it  is  supposed  that  during  the 
early  part  of  the  Rev.  James  Martin's  ministry  a  little  log  church  was 
erected  in  what  is  now  called  "  Dry  Hollow,"  about  two  miles  east  of 
the  present  Valley  of  Warrior's  Mark.  This  building  was  destroyed  by 
a  fire  breaking  out  in  "  the  barrens"  which  then  surrounded  the  church. 
The  site  can  now  be  identified  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  EUenbarger,  his  log 
farm-house  being  about  one  hundred  feet  back  of  the  point  where  the 
old  church  stood,  his  barn  one  hundred  feet  in  front  of  it.  There  is  an 
oak-tree  immediately  west  of  it,  and  an  old  unfailing  spring,  from  which 
the  worshippers  often  drank,  and  the  only  one  in  "  Dry  Hollow,"  about 
three  hundred  feet  to  the  northwest. 

About  1857  the  Rev.  John  Elliott,  while  doing  missionary  work  in 
the  Presbytery,  visited  Warrior's  Mark  and,  after  preaching  several  times, 
consented  to  spend  the  summer  laboring  for  the  Tyrone  and  Warrior's 
Mark  people. 

Since  1858  Warrior's  Mark  has  been  regarded  in  such  a  sense  a  part 
of  the  Birmingham  field  as  to  have  given  to  it  a  certain  part  of  the 
public  services,  the  Baptist  people  there-kindly  yielding  the  use  of  their 
church  building,  as  they  had  done  at  Birmingham  years  before. 

During  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  W.  A.  Hooper  a  very  important 
addition  was  made  to  the  eldership  of  the  church.  "  On  the  6th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1862,  J.  R.  Lowrie,  Esq.,  son  of  Hon.  Walter  Lowrie,  the  first  sec- 
retary of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  was  ordained  and  installed  in 
that  office.  With  his  residence  at  Warrior's  Mark,  this  act  of  the  congre- 
gation clothing  him  with  the  functions  of  the  eldership  opened  the  way 
for  all  his  practical  tact  and  Christian  energy  to  work,  and  work  effec- 
tively, in  that  outlying  portion  of  the  congregation." 

In  the  fall  of  1S66  a  pleasant  and  commodious  chapel  was  completed 
at  Warrior's  Mark  at  a  cost  of  about  five  thousand  dollars.     This  attrac- 


134  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

tive-looking  sanctuan,-,  so  recently  repainted  and  put  in  perfect  repair,  is 
the  true  successor  of  the  old  log  church  in  "  Dry  Hollow,"  which  was 
burned  so  many  years  ago. 

The  Mountain  Seminar}-  has  been  so  closely  connected  with  the  life 
and  progress  of  the  Birmingham  Church  that  a  brief  history  of  this 
institution  is  absolutely  necessary. 

The  first  and  main  building  of  the  Mountain  Seminary  was  erected 
by  a  corporation  of  stockholders,  in  185 1,  on  a  donated  tract  of  land 
comprising  about  three  acres  on  the  southwest  slope  of  the  Birmingham 
ridge. 

The  school  was  opened  and  conducted  under  the  principalship  of 
the  Rev.  Israel  Ward,  but  failed  to  sustain  itself  pecuniarily,  and  the 
property  was  sold  at  sheriff's  sale  in  1855,  the  purchaser  being  John 
McPherron,  Sr.,  of  Eden  \'alley,  who  resold  it  in  1857  to  L.  G.  Grier,  a 
recent  graduate  of  Lafayette  College,  where  he  was  intimately  associated 
with  Samuel  Gayley  and  Charles  R.  Mills,  both  of  whom  have  since  laid 
down  their  lives  in  the  Master's  service  in  China. 

With  Mr.  Grier  came  his  wife  and  Miss  N.  J.  Davis,  a  graduate  of 
the  class  of  1856  in  Mount  Holyoke  College.  Large  faith  and  small 
pecuniary  means  characterized  the  trio  that  alighted  from  the  train 
October  27,  1857.  Descending  a  steep  flight  of  steps  leading  from  the 
Birmingham  station,  they  proceeded  to  cross  the  Juniata  on  a  narrow 
foot-bridge,  in  lieu  of  the  usual  row-boat  transportation,  for  the  present 
"  old  bridge"  had  then  not  even  an  "  airy  habitation"  in  the  brain  of  the 
architect. 

It  was  not  the  intention  of  the  principals  to  open  the  seminary  to 
pupils  before  the  following  May,  but  an  unexpected  application  for  ad- 
mittance from  six  girls  was  n»t  refused,  and  the  winter  was  spent  in 
teaching  and  preparing  for  the  formal  opening  in  the  spring. 

The  presence  of  a  pastor  over  the  village  church  would  have  assisted 
the  new  enterprise,  but  the  church  was  desolate,  and  there  was  none  of 
whom  to  ask  counsel  or  prayers.  Four  or  five  sermons  preached  by  the 
Rev.  Moses  Floyd,  at  the  invitation  of  Mr.  Grier,  constituted  all  the 
church  privileges  enjoyed  for  at  least  four  months.  However,  the  May 
sunshine  brought  light.  The  school  opened  with  encouraging  prospects, 
and  permission  was  obtained  from  Presbytery  to  supply  the  church  with 
the  selection  of  Dr.  Happer,  a  returned  missionarj'  from  China. 

From  this  time  the  church  and  school  have  been  so  vitally  connected 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  give  the  history  of  either  separately. 


BlKMINCiHAM.       I'ASIOK   AND   hLUtRs. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDO.V.  1 35 

A  wonderful  awakening  resulted  from  his  efforts  in  the  school  and 
church.  A  weekly  prayer-meeting,  composed  of  the  pupils  and  two 
lady  teachers,  was  organized,  aside  from  the  regular  Wednesday  church 
pra\-er-meeting,  which  was  organized  with  the  school  and  held  in  the 
school  hall. 

In  a  few  weeks  ten  out  of  twelve  pupils  who  were  not  professing 
Christians  were  rejoicing,  though  tremblingly,  in  a  new-found  Saviour, 
and  professors,  who  had  been  careless,  were  rebaptized  with  the  power 
of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

On  the  day  of  the  reorganization  of  the  church,  June  12,  1858,  Mr. 
Grier  was  chosen  to  be  a  ruling  elder  in  the  church.  What  his  life  was 
to  the  school  and  church  can  be  read  in  the  hearts  of  all  who  came  under 
his  influence. 

The  next  term  opened  October  28  with  an  increase  in  the  number  of 
pupils  and  one  addition  to  the  faculty,  a  teacher  of  drawing. 

The  faithful  ministrations  of  Dr.  Happer  in  the  church  and  school 
were  followed  by  a  deep  seriousness,  and  subsequently,  in  the  earl)'  part 
of  December,  during  a  series  of  religious  meetings,  eleven  pupils  began 
to  inquire  the  "  Way  of  Life,"  all  of  whom  afterwards  united  with  the 
church  here  or  at  their  homes. 

In  May,  1859,  Dr.  Happer  left  for  his  foreign  field  of  work,  and  before 
his  departure  a  "  Foreign  Mission  Band"  was  organized  in  the  seminary 
(perhaps  one  of  the  first  in  the  Presbytery),  which  has  continued  to  the 
present  to  hold  monthly  meetings,  and  to  contribute,  on  an  average,  one 
hundred  dollars  yearly  to  foreign  missions.  This  Band  has  also  repre- 
sentatives in  the  foreign  and  home  fields, — India,  Japan,  China,  New 
Mexico,  Dakota.     So  much  for  the  organization  of  the  school. 

The  superstructure  has  not  been  unworthy  of  the  foundation.  Im- 
provements were  made  as  the  finances  permitted.  Year  by  year  more 
ground  was  purchased  and  beautified  with  rare  and  stately  trees,  until 
the  original  three  acres  have  expanded  into  a  hundred,  and  the  barren 
hill-side  of  1858  has  become  the  beautiful  park,  with  winding  walks  and 
shaded  drives,  of  1895. 

The  original  building  has  been  transformed  by  the  hand  of  modern 
improvement.     Four  others  hav'e  been  erected. 

The  number  of  the  faculty  has  been  increa.sed  to  seven.  The  courses 
of  study  have  kept  pace  with  the  requirements  of  the  times. 

Three  courses  for  graduation  have  been  arranged,  one  of  which  is  a 
college-preparatory,  and  from  which  pupils  have  entered  Bucknell,  the 


136  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Woman's  College,  Baltimore,  University  of  Pennsylvania,  Wellesley, 
Br\-n  Mawr,  and  Michigan  University.  A  few  boys  from  time  to  time, 
as  special  cases,  have  been  trained  for  college,  and  have  taken  high  rank 
in  Williams,  Wooster,  Washington,  and  Princeton.  Thousands  have 
gone  out  from  the  class-rooms  to  the  battle  of  life,  some  to  preach  the 
gospel  of  Christ,  others  to  live  it  in  the  quiet  of  their  homes,  all,  we 
hope,  the  better  for  the  care  and  training  of  their  Alma  Mater. 

The  chosen  life-work  of  Dr.  Grier  was  laid  down  after  thirtj'  busy, 
prayerful  years,  May  8,  1887,  since  which  time  the  school  has  been  con- 
ducted on  the  same  principles  as  before  by  Miss  N.  J.  Davis  as  principal. 
A.  R.  Grier  (son  of  Dr.  Grier)  is  business  manager. 

During  the  ministrj^  of  the  Rev.  I.  H.  Stevenson  the  Session  was 
encouraged  to  devise  larger  and  better  things  for  the  Birmingham 
Church;  and,  as  a  result,  the  present  sanctuary  was  built  in  1868  and 
1869  at  a  cost  of  seven  thousand  dollars.  It  is  one  of  the  neatest  and 
best  church  buildings,  for  its  cost,  in  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  and 
reflects  honor  not  only  "  upon  the  people  who  bore  the  burden  of  its 
cost,  but  also  upon  the  building  committee,  consisting  of  Messrs.  L.  G. 
Grier,  S.  C.  Stewart,  and  Samuel  Thompson,  for  the  thoroughness  and 
economy  secured  to  them  in  the  work." 

During  the  ministry  of  Rev.  S.  T.  Wilson,  D.D.,  in  1876,  there  were 
two  hundred  and  four  members  on  the  church  roll,  the  largest  number 
in  the  history  of  the  church.  The  largest  number  of  additions  to  the 
church  during  any  one  year  of  its  existence  was  in  1881,  when  Rev.  J. 
J.  Francis,  D.D.,  was  pastor,  when  fifty-eight  were  received  (forty-nine 
on  examination  and  nine  on  certificate).  Twice  during  this  pastorate,  the 
Church  contributed  over  one  thousand  dollars  for  foreign  missions. 

At  this  time  the  church  secured,  through  the  generosity  of  Elders  S. 
C.  Stewart  and  J.  R.  Lowrie,  the  deed  to  the  comfortable  parsonage 
which  adjoins  the  Birmingham  Church. 

The  present  pastor.  Rev.  H.  H.  Henry,  began  his  work  November, 
1889. 

At  this  date  (1895)  the  Sunday-school  at  Birmingham  is  full  and  well 
manned  by  a  corps  of  most  earnest  teachers  under  the  superintendent,  S.  C. 
Stewart,  Esq.,  an  elder  of  twenty-five  years'  service,  whose  love  and  zeal 
and  personal  sacrifice  for  the  church  have  endeared  him  to  all  its  members. 

At  Warrior's  Mark  is  another  well-organized  Sunday-school  under 
the  care  of  Dr.  T.  C.  Peterson,  a  consecrated,  enthusiastic,  and  devoted 
elder  of  six  years'  experience. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


137 


The  Birmingham  Church  possesses  a  most  enthusiastic  Christian 
Endeavor  Society,  which  is  like  a  right  hand  to  the  pastor  in  all  church 
work.    The  Junior  Christian  Endeavor  Society  is  also  a  model  in  its  way. 

All  missionary  effort  in  this  church  is  earnest  and  practical.  The 
Ladies'  Society  at  the  Warrior's  Mark  end  of  the  parish  has  the  honor  of 
having  given  to  the  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Hun- 
tingdon Presbyter}'  its  efficient,  whole-souled  president.  Miss  S.  R. 
Lowrie.  For  many  years  the  sum  raised  in  this  church  for  foreign 
missions  has  ranged  from  si.x  hundred  dollars  to  one  thousand  dollars, 
making  an  average  of  from  three  to  six  dollars  per  member. 

For  years  the  Birmingham  Church  has  been  classed  among  the  first 
in  the  Presbytery  for  its  contributions  to  the  boards  of  the  church. 

The  faculty  and  students  of  the  Mountain  Seminary,  who  worship 
in  the  Birmingham  Church,  add  not  a  little  to  its  attractiveness  by  the 
presence  of  bright  faces  and  melodious  voices. 


CONNECTIONS  OF  THE  BIRMINGHAM-WARRIOR  S  MARK  CONGREGATIONS  WITH 
OTHER    CHURCHES    IN    THE    PRESBYTERY. 

Year.  Churches. 

1789-94 ■ .    .  Warrior's  Mark  with  East  and  West  Penn's  Valley  and  Half  Moon. 

1794 Warrior's  Mark  and  Half  Moon. 

1796 Warrior's  Mark  and  Spruce  Creek  and  Sinking  Valley. 

1835-57 Birmingham  and  .Spruce  Creek. 

1857 Warrior's  Mark  and  Tyrone. 

1858—59 Birmingham,  Warrior's  Mark,  and  Tyrone. 

1859—60 Birmingham,  Warrior's  Mark,  Tyrone,  and  Logan's  Valley. 

1861-67 Birmingham,  Warrior's  Mark,  and  Tyrone. 

1868-95 Birmingham  and  Warrior's  Mark. 

MINISTERS    WHO    HAVE    SERVED  THIS    PARISH. 
Name.                                              Installed.  Dismissed.  Died. 

Rev.  Samuel  Hill,  S.S June,  1S35.  1S43.  Date  unknown. 

Rev.  John  White,  S.S .  Spring,  1843.  Spring,  1848.  Date  unknown. 

Rev.  Israel  Ward,  S.S May,  1849.  Spring,  1857.  Date  unknown. 

Rev.  Andrew  P.  Happer,  D.D.,  S.S.  .    .  May  6,  1858.  May,  1859.  Oct.  7,  1894. 

Rev.  David  Sterrett,  S.S. May,  1859.  May,  i860.  Date  unknown. 

Rev.  Joseph  H.  Barnard,  P June  12,  i860.  Dec.  27,  1S60. 

Rev.  W.  A.  Hooper,  P Nov.  17,  1861.  April  13,  1864. 

Rev.  John  H.  Clark,  S.S Oct.  9,  1868.  June,  1867.  Sept.  23,  1S70. 

Rev.  Joseph  H.  Stevenson,  P June  19,  1868.  October,  1869. 

Rev.  Samuel  T.  Wilson,  D.D.,  P.   .    .    .  July,  1872.  Oct.  19,  1878.         Oct.  5,  1893. 

Rev.  J.  J.  Francis,  D.D.,  P Nov.  19,  1S79.  May  14,  1885. 

Rev.  Charles  E.  Craven,  P June  18,  1886.  Oct.  21,  1888. 

Rev.  Harry  H.  Henry,  P May  20,  1S90. 


138 


THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 


CANDIDATES    FOR    THE    MINISTRY. 

Charles  A.  Patton,  Senior  of  Princeton. 

Geo.  A.  Dickson,  '94,  Washington  and  Jefferson. 

Walter  Lowrie,  '94,  Princeton. 


ELDERS. 

James  Boggs      Installed  May  16,  1835. 

John  Owens Installed  May  16,  1835. 

John  McPherron Installed  May  16,  1835. 

James  Wilson Installed  May  16,  1835. 

Lemuel  G.  Grier Installed  June  20,  1S58. 

J.  Robert  Lowrie Installed  January  5,  1862. 

John  Wrye Installed  May  31,  1868. 

David  Rabold Installed  February  27,  1886. 

William  B.  Fetterhoof     ....  Installed  February  27,  1886. 


Died  February  28,  1839. 
Died  July  24,  1880. 
Died  August  10,  1S60. 
Moved  West  1840. 
Died  May  9,  1887. 
Died  December  10,  1885. 
Died  December  14,  1869. 
Moved  to  Altoona,  1892. 
Died  February  8,  1888. 


PRESENT    ELDERS. 

Samuel  Calhoun  Stewart Installed  Februarj'  30,  1871. 

Dr.  T.  C.  Peterson Installed  February  24,  1889. 

James  Wood  Smith Installed  February  24,  1889. 

DEACONS. 

Zaccheus  Ix)wer Ordained  September  9,  1874.  Deposed  February  S,  1888. 

Robert  Jackson Ordained  September  9,  1874.  Dismissed  March  16,  1877. 

Gideon  Ganoe Ordained  September  9,  1874.  Ceased  October  18,  1879. 

Alexander  G.  Morris Dismissed  April  5,  1883. 

William  C.  Gensimore  ....  Ordained  September  27,  1874. 
Andrew  Robeson Ordained  September  27,  1874. 

TRUSTEES. 

Andrew  Robeson Birmingham. 

Paul  L.  Wolfe Birmingham. 

A.  R.  Grier Birmingham. 

William  L.  Rider Warrior's  Mark. 

John  T.  Patton Warrior's  Mark. 

Gottlieb  Rabold Warrior's  Mark. 


TREASURER. 
Andrew  Robeson. 


H.  H.  Henry. 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 39 


BRADFORD. 

The  old  church  was  built  in  or  about  the  year  1830,  for  I  heard 
father  say  he  went  to  church  there  when  a  young  man  (and  went  bare- 
footed). It  is  situated  in  the  middle  of  our  cemetery;  is  in  size  twenty- 
four  by  thirty  feet,  and  was  used  as  a  Union  church  by  Lutherans  and 
Presbyterians,  the  Presbyterians  using  it  the  last  ten  years  it  was  in  use 
for  church  service.  We  have  had  it  repaired,  and  it  is  used  for  funeral 
services  by  all  denominations.  It  is  the  oldest  church  in  our  township. 
It  has  been  the  place  of  many  good  and  refreshing  times,  which  our 
fathers  and  mothers  could  testify  to  if  living,  and  some  of  us  who  are 
younger  could  do  the  same ;  for  your  humble  servant  made  his  first 
confession  of  Christ  and  went  before  the  Session,  a  trembling  boy,  to 
answer  the  questions  of  examination,  thirty  years  ago,  with  two  others 
(ladies) ;  one  has  passed  over ;  the  other  lives  in  Lancaster. 

The  new  church  in  Bigler  was  built  about  the  year  1872,  and  dedi- 
cated on  Christmas-day.  It  is  a  studding  building,  plastered  and  papered 
inside ;  size  thirty-two  by  forty-six  feet ;  has  a  vestibule,  little  side-rooms 
on  each  side  of  the  vestibule,  with  belfry  overhead,  which  has  a  bell 
presented  by  a  Mr.  Morgan,  of  Philipsburg,  on  account  of  his  mother 
being  buried  in  the  cemetery  near  by. 

It  is  seated  by  three  rows  of  pews  ;  the  aisles  have  matting ;  carpet 
is  placed  around  and  on  the  pulpit.  A  little  Loring  &  Blake  organ  is 
used  to  assist  the  people  in  singing  songs  of  praise.  A  fence  is  built  in 
front  of  the  church.  The  yard  is  decorated  with  arbor-vitae-trees.  The 
church  is  capable  of  seating  comfortably  two  hundred  and  fifty  people. 
It  cost  about  three  thousand  dollars,  as  near  as  I  can  tell. 

The  first  pastors,  from  what  I  remembered  from  what  my  parents 
said,  were  Rev.  Belts,  Mervin,  and  Cooper.  Those  were,  so  far  as  I 
know,  the  pioneer  preachers.  They  preached  from  about  the  year  1845 
to  1856  or  1857.  Later  came  Rev.  Clark.  About  the  year  1863  or 
1864  came  Rev.  W.  O.  Wright  (now  of  Milesburg),  under  whose  min- 
istry the  church  was  greatly  revived.  About  1868  came  Rev.  William 
Prideaux  (who  now  lives  in  Huntingdon),  who  preached  for  us  two  or 
three  years.  Then  came  Rev.  John  H.  Sargent,  who  was  our  pastor  till 
April,  1875.  Then  we  were  supplied  by  different  ministers  for  one  year 
or  probably  more;  I  cannot  name  them,  as  they  are  not  on  record,  ex- 
cept two  or  three.  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers  and  Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell ;  the 


140  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

latter  was  sent  as  a  supply  in  October,  1876.  He  held  a  series  of  meet- 
ings, the  outgrowth  of  which  was  a  revival,  when  seventeen  were  added 
to  the  church  by  examination  and  three  by  letter. 

We  were  supplied  until  April,  1878,  when  Rev.  E.  P.  Foresman  was 
called  as  pastor  for  our  church,  and  installed  June  7,  the  same  year.  He 
labored  among  us  until  the  year  1883,  when  his  pastorate  was  dissolved, 
he  going  west.  He  was  followed  by  Rev.  Harvey  Shaw,  who  preached 
over  a  year.  Then  came  Rev.  William  Kuhn  as  a  stated  supply  from 
1885  to  1887.  He  was  followed  by  Rev.  George  Chappell,  who  preached 
a  year  in  our  midst,  then  Presbytery  gave  us  into  the  care  of  Rev.  R.  A. 
McKinley,  who  broke  to  us  the  bread  of  life  until  October,  1895. 

Our  first  ruling  elders  were  Angus  M.  Gill  and  George  J.  K}-lar,  who 
were  ordained  about  the  year  1845.  Francis  Pearce  (my  father)  was 
ordained  in  or  about  1850,  Dr.  F.  B.  Read  and  S.  A.  Caldwell  in  1 871, 
and  your  humble  servant  in  189 1. 

Our  church  was  organized  about  the  year  1845,  and  since  that  time 
there  have  belonged  to  it  and  the  organizations  that  have  sprung  from 
it  (Woodland,  Gillingham,  and  Pleasant  Hill)  one  hundred  members. 
There  have  been  removed,  by  death  twenty-eight,  by  removal  forty-six, 
by  other  organizations  twenty-three,  remaining  seven.  The  last  figure 
is  a  sad  one.  Oh,  I  hope  and  pray,  as  the  history  of  our  church  unfolds 
itself  in  coming  time,  our  record  will  be  better;  that  the  good  Lord, 
who  has  always  opened  the  way  for  us,  will  still  bless  and  revive  his 
church. 

The  pioneers  of  our  church  were  George  S.  Kylar  and  wife  Catharine, 
Angus  M.  Gill  and  wife  Mary,  Francis  Pearce  and  wife  Hannah,  John 
Kline  and  wife  Elizabeth. 

John  L.  Pearce. 


BUFFALO   RUN. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  of  Buffalo  Run  was  organized  pursuant  to 
an  act  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  February,  1871,  by  a  com- 
mittee of  Presbytery  composed  of  Dr.  Robert  Hamill  and  William  T. 
Wiley,  ministers,  and  H.  N.  McAllister,  ruling  elder.  The  organization 
consisted  of  twenty-seven  members  received  from  the  churches  of  Spring 
Creek  and  Bellefonte.  Joseph  M.  Wilson,  Richard  Conley,  and  William 
F.  Thompson  were  chosen  ruling  elders,  and  were  properly  set  apart  to 
the  sacred  office. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  I4I 

The  church  has,  for  the  most  of  its  time  since  its  organization  to  the 
present,  enjoyed  the  stated  means  of  grace,  under  the  faithful  labors  of  a 
regular  pastor  or  a  stated  supply,  and  has  gradually  increased  until,  with 
all  the  changes,  by  death  and  dismissal,  through  which  it  has  passed  in 
these  intervening  years,  it  now  numbers  fifty  members. 

CHURCH    BUILDING. 

The  congregation  erected  a  neat  edifice  in  1870  before  the  organiza- 
tion was  effected,  at  a  cost  of  two  thousand  dollars,  which  was  paid  for 
and  appropriately  dedicated  as  a  house  of  God.  In  this  building, 
which  has  served  them  for  twenty-five  years,  they  still  worship. 

PASTORS. 

The  church  from  1871  to  1874  was  served  by  students  from  the 
Theological  Seminarj'  at  Princeton,  by  occasional  supplies  appointed  by 
Presbyter)',  and  by  neighboring  pastors. 

In  November,  1875,  the  Rev.  J.  V.  R.  Hughes  was  called  as  pastor, 
and  was  installed  on  November  19,  1875.  He  continued  to  serve  the 
church  as  pastor  until  April,  1878,  when  at  his  request  the  relation  was 
dissolved. 

Mr.  Hughes  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  W.  O.  Wright  as  stated 
supply,  from  April,  1878,  to  October,  1880. 

The  Rev.  W.  C.  Kuhn  then  served  as  stated  supply  until  April,  1882. 
He  was  succeeded  b)'  Rev.  William  Prideaux  from  October,  1882,  to 
October,  1885. 

In  November,  1886,  Rev.  George  Elliott  was  called  as  pastor  for  one- 
third  of  his  time,  and,  accepting  the  call,  was  duly  installed.  He  sus- 
tained the  relation  until  March,  1895,  when  he  was  removed  by  death. 

These  brethren  each  in  his  order  did  faithful  work ;  no  one  more 
acceptably  and  profitably  than  their  late  pastor,  Mr.  Elliott,  who  filled 
his  post  of  duty  well  for  over  nine  years,  and  who  in  his  death  was 
sorely  lamented  by  a  cordial  and  loving  people. 

RULING    ELDERS. 

Joseph  M.  Wilson,  Richard  Conley,  and  William  F.  Thompson  were 
chosen  elders  at  the  organization  of  the  church  in  1871.  Mr.  Wilson 
served  until  1876,  Mr.  Conley  until  1880,  Mr.  Thompson  until  1888. 

In  1876  Joseph  W.  Marshall  was  chosen,  and  in  1890  John  P.  Seibert. 
Mr.  Marshall  and  Mr.  Seibert  constitute  the  Session  at  present.    Both  of 


142  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

these  elders  ha\-e  proved  their  fitness  for  the  office  by  the  prudence  and 
fidehtj-  with  which  they  have  ser\'ed  the  church  that  placed  upon  them 
its  responsibility  and  honor. 

Robert  Hamill. 


CLEARFIELD. 


CLE.ARFIELD  CouxTi"  was  Settled  by  persons  of  Scotch-Irish  descent 
and  of  Presbyterian  proclivities.  The  first  Presbj-terian  preaching  in 
this  count)-  was  under  the  direction  of  the  Presbyter}'  of  Huntingdon,  in 
1803,  by  Rev.  William  Stewart  and  Rev.  Henry  R.  Wilson.  For  some 
time  thereafter  supplies  were  appointed  to  preach  two  or  three  times  a 
year.  In  1806  the  General  Assembly  sent  fifty  copies  of  the  Shorter 
Catechism  to  the  Presbytery  for  distribution  in  this  region.  Chinclecla- 
moose,  or  Old  Town,  or  Clearfield,  received  twenty-five  of  these.  At  the 
request  of  the  people  in  181 2,  Revs.  Bard,  Stewart,  and  Linn  were  sent 
one  Sabbath  each  into  this  county  as  supplies. 

The  precise  date  of  the  organization  of  the  Clearfield  Church  is  not 
obtainable.  It  was  in  existence  in  1819  with  Hugh  Jordan  and  Archi- 
bald Shaw  as  ruling  elders.  The  following  is  the  succession  of  pastors, 
the  first  six  being  at  the  same  time  pastors  of  the  Pike,  or  Curwensville, 
congregation : 

Name.  Year. 

Rev.  Garry  Bishop,  M.D 1826-1S34, 

Rev.  Frederick  G.  Belts 1840-1845 

Rev.  Samuel  N.  Howell 1845-1847 

Rev.  Miles  T.  Merwin 1848-1853 

Rev.  Samuel  M.  Cooper '853-1855 

Rev.  John  M.  Galloway 1858-1864 

Rev.  James  G.  Archer 1865-1869 

Rev.  Henry  S.  Builer,  D.D 1869-1884. 

Rev.  Russell  A.  McKinley,  D.D.,  Ph.D 1884-1895 

Of  the  above  ministers  the  following  died  while  pastors  at  Clearfield : 
Rev.  Frederick  G.  Betts,  Rev.  John  M.  Galloway,  and  Rev.  James  G. 
Archer.     The  latter  was  killed  in  a  railway  disaster  near  Pittsburg. 

Between  the  pastorates  of  Messrs.  Bishop  and  Betts  there  were  six 


CLEARFIELD. 


.V-        r 


':t. 


tf? 


CLEARFIELD.       PASTOR    ANU   ELDERS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  I43 

years  in  which  this  church  was  supplied  by  home  missionaries,  among 
whom  were  Revs.  J.  B.  Payne  and  Edmund  McKinney. 

The  pastorate  of  Mr.  Bishop  was  a  day  of  small  things.  As  addi- 
tional means  of  support  he  had  to  practise  medicine  in  connection  with 
his  ministry. 

The  pastorate  of  Mr.  Betts  was  signalized  by  the  erection  of  the  first 
church  building.  Considering  the  difficult  conditions  under  which  he 
labored,  he  was  eminently  successful.  He  was  taken  away  in  the  prime 
of  his  usefulness.  His  son,  Hon.  W.  W.  Betts,  is  still  a  member  of  the 
congregation,  and  one  of  Clearfield's  successful  business  men.  He  has 
been  a  member  of  the  State  Senate.  His  family  is  one  of  the  most 
important  connected  with  the  church. 

The  pastorate  of  Mr.  Galloway  was  characterized  by  more  perfect 
organization  and  considerable  addition  to  the  membership.  Owing  to 
his  untimely  death,  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Archer  was  quite  brief,  but 
nevertheless  bright  and  prosperous.  It  was  characterized  by  a  precious 
revival,  in  which  forty  additions  were  had  at  one  time  upon  examination. 
The  present  large  stone  edifice  was  built  during  his  pastorate  at  a  cost 
of  nearly  fifty  thousand  dollars.  It  was  erected  under  the  immediate 
supervision  of  Elder  William  Bigler,  who  gave  about  two  years  of  his 
time  to  this  work.  It  remains  a  fine  monument  of  the  zeal  and  devotion 
of  this  distinguished  man. 

The  pastorate  of  Mr.  Butler  began  with  the  occupation  of  the  new 
church,  which  he  found  ready  for  dedication.  It  was  attended  by  a 
steady  growth  and  by  a  marked  increase  of  the  contributions  to  the 
benevolent  work  of  the  church  at  large.  The  membership  increased 
from  one  hundred  and  ninety  to  two  hundred  and  thirty-seven. 

Dr.  R.  A.  McKinley  resigned  in  the  twelfth  year  of  his  pastorate. 
During  his  term  the  following  material  improvements  have  been  made : 
the  large  church  has  been  refrescoed  and  refitted  throughout,  a  fine 
pipe-organ  has  been  procured,  a  new  and  elegant  chapel  and  also  a 
mission  chapel  have  been  built.  A  marked  feature  of  this  pastorate  has 
been  the  development  of  two  missions,  greatly  adding  to  the  pastor's 
labors  and  to  the  influence  and  prestige  of  the  congregation.  The 
membership  has  increased  from  two  hundred  and  thirty-seven  to  five 
hundred  and  twenty-six,  including  one  hundred  and  sixty-nine  in  the 
missions.  The  congregation  is  now  in  the  third  year  of  supporting  a 
foreign  missionary,  Rev.  F.  E.  Simcox,  of  China. 


144  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

The  following  is  the  succession  of  elders  in  the  Clearfield  Church : 

Name.  Year. 

Hugh  Jordan 1818-1840. 

Archibald  Shaw 181S-1843. 

John  R.  Read 1S42-1856. 

James  Irvin 1842-1887. 

Henr>-  B.  .Smith 1852-1S57. 

William  Robertson 1852-1S59. 

Ashley  M.  Hills,  D.D.S 1852. 

William  Merrell 1859-1861. 

Moses  Fulton 1859-1865. 

Thompson  Read 1859. 

Miles  Read 1S65. 

John  F.  Weaver 1865. 

William  Bigler 1872-1SS0. 

James  B.  Graham 1S72-1883. 

Henry  W.  Park 1872-1895. 

John  G.  Hartswick,  M.D 1872. 

Prof.  B.  C.  Youngman 1892. 

Frank  B.  Read 1S92. 

One  of  the  first  elders,  Hon.  Hugh  Jordan,  was  a  soldier  in  the 
Revolutionary  War,  and  served  throughout  the  entire  struggle.  At  the 
time  of  his  death  he  was  associate  j'udge  of  Clearfield  Count}-.  Another 
elder,  Hon.  William  Bigler,  was  governor  of  the  State,  1852-1855,  and 
United  States  senator,  185  5-1 861. 

Among  present  members  of  the  congregation  who  have  been  prom- 
inent in  county,  State,  and  national  affairs  are  Hon.  William  A.  Wallace, 
who  has  served  four  terms  as  State  senator  and  one  term  as  United  States 
senator ;  James  Kerr,  who  has  served  one  term  as  member  of  Congress 
and  two  terms  as  chief  clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives;  Hon.  D. 
L.  Krebs,  who  has  served  one  term  as  judge  of  the  court;  and  Hon. 
Cyrus  Gordon,  the  leader  of  the  choir,  who  is  the  present  j'udge. 

It  is  worthy  of  mention  that  the  following  persons  have  served  long 
terms  as  Sabbath-school  superintendents:  Henrj^  B.  Smith,  Dr.  A.  M. 
Hills,  Prof  B.  C.  Youngman,  and  Frank  B.  Reed. 

The  present  pastor.  Rev.  R.  A.  McKinley,  Ph.D.,  D.D.,  was  graduated 
from  AUeghanj-  College  in  1873,  and  from  the  Western  Theological 
Seminary  in  1876.  In  1889  he  received  the  degree  of  Ph.D.  from  the 
University  of  Wooster.  He  came  to  Clearfield  from  Bedford,  Iowa,  after 
a  seven  years'  pastorate.  He  was  moderator  of  the  Synod  of  Iowa 
South  in  1880.     He  served  three  years  as  stated  clerk  of  the  Presbytery 


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CURWENSVIl.I.E.       I'ASTOK    AND   KLUHKS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  I45 

of  Council  Bluffs.     He  is  now  the  permanent  clerk  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Huntingdon. 

R.   A.    McKlNLEY. 

Dr.  McKinley  was  dismissed  from  Huntingdon  Presb\-ter\-,  October, 
1895,  to  accept  a  call  from  the  First  Church  of  Steubenville,  Ohio. 


COALPORT. 


CoALPORT  Church  is  about  two  miles  distant  from  Irvona.  It  has 
been  usually  united  with  the  latter  under  one  charge.  This  church  was 
organized  on  the  21st  of  January,  1887,  by  a  committee  of  the  Hunting- 
don Presbytery,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers,  D.D.,  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Prideaux,  and  Elder  C.  B.  McKean.  The  new  organization  was 
composed  of  eighteen  members,  five  of  whom  were  received  on  exam- 
ination. 

W.  J.  Caldwell  and  E.  R.  Langill  were  chosen  as  ruling  elders.  The 
present  eldership  consists  of  W.  J.  Caldwell,  W.  F.  Lydick,  and  W.  R. 
Daudson. 

There  is  a  Sabbath-school  consisting  of  fifty-eight  members.  A 
Christian  Endeavor  Society  has  been  recently  reorganized,  and  an  active 
Ladies'  Aid  Society  e.xists. 

The  congregation  worships  in  a  very  comfortable  little  chapel  with  a 
seating  capacity  of  two  hundred.  It  cost  two  thousand  dollars,  and  is 
free  of  debt. 

The  following  is  the  succession  of  pastors  :  Rev.  J.  J.  Wolf,  from 
1887  to  1889;  Rev.  F.  T.  Wheeler,  1889  to  1894;  and  Rev.  William 
Gibb,  1895. 

William  Gibb. 


CURWENSVILLE. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  so  few  records  have  been  kept  preserving 
the  story  of  the  earlier  days  of  Presbyterianism  in  Clearfield  County, 
and  for  this  reason  the  history  of  the  older  churches  must  be  brief  and 
unsatisfactory. 

At  the  present  time  there  are  no  known  records  furnishing  the  date 


146  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

of  the  organization  of  the  church  in  this  place.  It  would  seem  that  as 
early  as  1803  the  attention  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  was  called 
to  the  religious  destitution  of  this  county,  and  the  Rev.  William  Stuart, 
of  Penn's  Valley,  was  appointed  "to  visit  Chincleclamoose,"  one  day  at 
his  discretion  and  preach.  A  similar  appointment  was  assigned  to  the 
Rev.  Henry  Wilson,  of  Bellefonte,  and  from  that  time  supplies  visited 
the  neighborhood,  preaching  at  various  points  as  circumstances  dictated, 
in  private  houses  or  in  barns,  the  favorite  places  being  at  McClure's,  two 
miles  above,  and  at  Bloom's  barn,  two  miles  below,  Curwensville. 

The  earliest  knowledge  of  the  church  as  a  distinct  organization  goes 
back  to  1826,  when  the  Rev.  George  Bishop,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College 
and  Princeton  Seminary,  was  received  from  the  Presbytery  of  Philadel- 
phia, and  ordained  and  installed  as  pastor  of  the  congregations  of  Clear- 
field and  Curwensville,  from  which  he  was  released  in  1834. 

After  a  vacancy  of  six  years,  in  1 840  Frederick  G.  Belts,  a  young 
licentiate,  was  appointed  to  supply  the  churches  of  Clearfield  County, 
and  in  October  of  the  same  year  was  called  to  the  united  pastorate  of 
Clearfield  and  Curwensville,  where  he  labored  till  his  death,  January, 
1845. 

Succeeding  Mr.  Betts,  the  order  of  pastors  occupying  both  pulpits 
is  as  follows : 

Name.  Year. 

Samuel  N.  Howell 1845-1847. 

Miles  T.  Merwin 1848-1853. 

James  J.  Hamilton  (Curwensville  alone) 1853-1855. 

John  M.  Galloway 1857-1864. 

Curwensville  alone : 

J.  E.  Kearns • 1866-1868. 

William  M.  Burchfield 1869-1876. 

J.  C.  Grier  (supply) 1S78-1879. 

J.  Q.  A.  FuUerton      1879-18S5. 

W.  C.  McBeth 1885-1886. 

Charles  HeiTon 1886-1893. 

David  Elder  Craighead 1894. 

Members  of  Session,  in  order,  so  far  as  known :  Matthew  Caldwell, 
James  B.  Caldwell,  Boss  Read,  Henry  Kunns,  ordained  1866;  G.  Bishop 
Caldwell,  ordained  1866  (deceased);  John  A.  Read,  ordained  1866;  E. 
A.  Irvin,  ordained  1872;  D.  O.  Crouch,  ordained  1872;  Jordan  Read, 
ordained  1872;  W.  J.  Caldwell,  ordained  1872;  James  Spence,  ordained 
1872;  W.  N.  Dyer. 


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OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 47 

The  first  church  building  was  erected  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev. 
Garvy  Bishop  in  1S27,  and  was  used  until  1843.  It  stood  about  two 
miles  north  of  town,  at  a  place  known  as  McClure's  Country. 

Under  Mr.  Betts  the  first  building  on  the  present  site  was  erected, 
in  1843,  which  was  used  until  1869,  when  it  was  replaced  by  the  present 
structure,  a  handsome  stone  building  in  the  Gothic  style  of  architecture. 
In  1879  ^  handsome  stone  manse  was  erected  on  the  grounds  adjoin- 
ing the  church,  while  from  time  to  time  a  series  of  improvements  have 
been  carried  on  adding  largely  to  the  beauty  and  convenience  of  both 
properties. 

Though  not  strong  numerically  nor  in  wealth,  the  church  stands 
to-day  one  of  the  best-equipped  in  the  Presbytery,  and  at  the  same  time 
an  illustration  of  the  result  of  faithful  labor  and  sacrifice. 

D.  E.  Craighead. 


DUNCANSVILLE. 


Organized  as  "East  Freedom"  Church  in  1846,  the  name  being 
changed  to  Duncansville  June  10,  1873.  It  is  served  now  and  has  been 
for  many  years  in  connection  with  Martinsburg,  now  called  "  Gibson 
Memorial"  Church.  Its  pastors  and  stated  supplies  have  been  Wm.  J. 
Gibson,  D.D.,  Levi  Risher,  J.  R.  Sansom,  Wm.  Anderson,  A.  L.  Lathem. 

Those  before  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Gibson  the  writer  does  not  recall.  The 
membership  is  sixty-two. 

The  elders  now  are  Thomas  Patterson  and  D.  M.  Thompson. 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


EAST   KISHACOQUILLAS. 

The  exact  time  of  the  organization  of  this  church  is  not  known,  the 
early  records  having  been  lost.  The  early  settlers  of  the  valley  were 
Scotch-Irish,  and  belonged  to  the  Presbyterian  Church.  They  were  of 
the  better  order  of  peasantry,  and  brought  with  them  the  characteristics 
of  their  native  land.  Attracted  by  the  beauty  and  fertility  of  the  valley, 
they  came  hither  as  early  as  1755  for  the  purpose  of  locating  lands,  but 
on  account  of  the  hostility  of  the  Indians  and  the  French  war  no  per- 


148  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

manent  settlements  were  made  until  about  1765.  From  this  year  we 
may  safely  date  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  East  Kishacoquillas  con- 
gregation. There  was  probably  no  formal  organization,  but  all  assembled 
together  from  time  to  time  by  mutual  agreement  under  the  leadership 
of  their  principal  men  for  religious  exercises;  and  thus  the  congregation 
grew  in  members  and  influence.  It  is  not  known  certainly  how  fre- 
quently they  enjoyed  the  ministrations  of  ordained  ministers  prior  to  the 
year  1775,  but  that  they  were  then  a  large  congregation  is  evident  from 
the  following  extract  from  the  diarj-  of  Rev.  Philip  Fithian,  who  preached 
to  them  on  August  13,  1775,  and  thus  writes:  "There  is  a  large  society, 
and  it  makes  a  good  appearance.  We  were  in  the  forenoon  in  a  large 
barn ;  it  was  too  small,  and  we  went  into  a  fine  mea"dow  [the  meadow 
of  Judge  Brown,  opposite  the  present  village  of  Reedsviile].  I  am  told 
the  people  of  this  village  are  all  united  in  religious  matters,  all  Presby- 
terians, and  all  orthodox  primitive  Presbyterians  too,  all  except  eight 
sour  unbrotherly  Seceders,  and  a  sociable  and  agreeable  Churchman, 
Mr.  Landrum.  For  supply  Esquire  Brown  gave  me  20  shillings  9 
pence." 

The  first  stated  ministry  enjoyed  by  this  congregation  was  under  the 
labors  of  Rev.  James  Johnston,  a  native  of  this  State,  a  graduate  of 
Princeton  College,  and  a  soldier  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  licensed  by 
the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  October  11,  17S3,  and  ordained  by  the  same 
Presbytery  August  19,  1784,  and  installed  pastor  of  East  Kishacoquillas. 
West  Kishacoquillas  was  comprehended  in  his  charge,  although  it  does 
not  appear  that  he  was  installed  over  the  latter  as  a  separate  congrega- 
tion. The  call  addressed  to  him,  and  still  presen'ed,  was  dated  March 
15,  1783,  sixty-nine  names  being  appended  to  it,  among  them  names  yet 
familiar  in  the  valley  in  the  persons  of  their  descendants.  The  call  is  as 
follows,  differing  from  the  prescribed  form  now  in  use,  and  yet,  as  all  will 
agree,  in  some  respects  superior  to  it : 

"  Mr.  James  Johnston,  Preacher  of  the  Gospel. 

"  Sir, — We,  the  subscribers,  members  of  the  United  Congregation  of 
East  and  West  Kishacoquillas,  having  never,  in  this  place,  had  the  stated 
administration  of  Gospel  ordinances,  yet  highly  prizing  the  same,  and 
having  a  view  to  the  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ  and  the 
Spiritual  Edification  of  ourselves  and  families,  have  set  ourselves  to 
obtain  that  Blessing  among  us  ;  and  therefore  as  we  have  had  the  Oppor- 


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OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 49 

tunity  of  some  of  your  labors  in  this  place,  and  are  satisfied  with  your 
Soundness,  Piety,  and  ministerial  ability  to  break  unto'^us  the  bread  of 
life,  we  do  most  heartily  and  sincerely,  in  the  name  of  the  Great  Shep- 
herd of  the  Flock,  Jesus  Christ,  call  and  invite  you  to  come  and  take 
the  Pastoral  Charge  and  oversight  of  us  in  the  Lord.  And  for  your 
encouragement  we  do  promise,  if  God  shall  dispose  your  heart  to  em- 
brace this  Call,  that  we  will  pay  a  dutiful  attention  to  the  word  and 
ordinances  of  God,  by  you  administered,  that  we  will  be  subject  to  your 
Admonitions  and  reproofs,  should  our  Falls  and  miscarriages  expose  us 
thereto,  and  will  submit  to  the  discipline  of  the  Church  exercised  by  you 
agreeably  to  the  Word  of  God ;  and  also  that  we  will  treat  your  Person 
with  Friendship  and  Respect,  and  behave  in  all  things  towards  you  as 
becomes  Christians  always  should  towards  their  Pastor,  who  labors 
among  them  in  word  and  Doctrine. 

"  And  further  we  are  persuaded  that  those  who  serve  at  the  Altar 
should  live  by  the  Altar,  we  do  promise,  in  order  that 'you  may  be,  as 
much  as  possible,  freed  from  worldly  incumbrances,  to  provide  for  your 
comfortable  and  honorable  maintenance  in  the  manner  set  forth  in  our 
Subscription  Papers  accompanying  this  our  Call,  during  your  continuance 
with  us  as  our  regular  Pastor.  And  in  witness  of  our  hearty  Desire  to 
have  you  settle  among  us,  we  have  hereunto  set  our  names  this  Fifteenth 
day  of  March,  Anno  Domini  1783. 

"  Wm.  Brown,  Jam's  Scott,  John  Cooper,  William  Corbett,  John 
McManagill,  Samuel  Mitchell,  Hugh  Martin,  Matthew  Taylor,  Joseph 
Adams,  William  McAlvey,  Wm.  Harper,  James  Alexander,  James  Reed, 
James  Glass,  Thomas  Brown,  Alexander  McNitt,  Elijah  Criswell,  John 
Fleming,  Alexander  Brown,  Edm'd  Richardson,  Wm.  Miller,  Robert 
Barnhill,  Wm.  Young,  James  S.  McClure,  Thomas  Arthurs,  Thomas 
Alexander,  Samuel  Alexander,  Samuel  Wills,  William  McNitt,  Philip 
Clover,  David  Kelly,  Arthur  Buchanan,  Joseph  Brown,  John  Means, 
James  Means,  John  McNitt,  William  Wilson,  Robert  McNitt,  Thomas 
Thompson,  Joseph  McKibbins,  James  Laughlin,  Robert  Allison,  James 
McCay,  William  Fleming,  Matthew  Kenney,  Robert  Gardner,  James 
Reed,  Robert  McClelland,  William  Miller,  Jr.,  Joseph  Wisley,  Wm. 
Mitchell,  James  Burns,  John  McDowell,  Robert  Campbell,  Samuel  Mil- 
liken,  David  Barr,  Neal  McManigal,  Benj.  Hall,  Benjamin  Cresswell, 
Henry  Taylor,  Elisha  Cresswell,  Thos.  Sankey,  William  Thompson,  John 
Culbertson,  Abraham  Sandford,  John  Kyle,  Samuel  Hower,  Joseph 
Heslot,  John  Reed." 


150  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

On  the  22d  of  June,  1796,  Mr.  Johnston  requested  leave  to  resign 
his  charge,  and  the  congregations  being  cited  to  appear  by  their  com- 
missioners at  the  next  stated  meeting  to  show  cause,  if  an)'  they  had, 
why  Presbytery  should  not  accept  his  resignation,  did  so  appear  by  their 
commissioners  at  the  meeting,  October  5,  1796,  and  declared  in  writing 
and  by  verbal  statements,  "  That  the  congregations  heartily  desired  that 
Mr.  Johnston  should  continue  their  Pastor,  and  that  they  would  be 
perfectly  satisfied  with  what  ministerial  duties  his  health  would  permit 
him  to  discharge.  Ne\ertheless  Mr.  Johnston  having  given  sufficient 
reasons,  Presbytery  agreed  to  dismiss  him,  and  he  is  hereby  dismissed." 
At  the  same  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  the  commissioners  from  East 
Kishacoquillas  applied  for  as  much  of  Mr.  Johnston's  time  as  the  Pres- 
bytery could  give  them  until  our  next  meeting.  Two  appointments 
were  given  him  elsewhere,  the  rest  of  his  time  being  left  at  his  own  dis- 
cretion. On  October  4,  1797,  "A  Supplication"  was  presented  "from 
the  congregations  of  East  Kishacoquillas  and  Lewistown  for  Mr.  Thomas 
Hoge's  time  as  Stated  Supply  till  our  next  meeting;  to  each  one  half." 
On  April  II,  1798,  "Petitions  from  East  and  West  Kishacoquillas  for 
liberty  to  present  a  call  through  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  to  the  Rev. 
John  Arnold,  a  member  of  that  Presbytery,  were  handed  in  and  read." 
Permission  was  granted  them,  and  also  liberty  to  apply  to  the  Presbytery 
of  Carlisle  for  supplies.  On  April  I,  1800,  "A  Supplication"  was  pre- 
sented "  from  East  Kishacoquillas  for  supplies,  and,  if  possible,  for  the 
one-half  of  the  labors  of  their  former  minister  Mr.  James  Johnston."  On 
October  8,  1800,  "A  Supplication"  having  been  presented  "from  Dry 
Valley  for  a  part  of  Mr.  Johnston's  labors  as  Stated  Supply,"  Mr.  Johns- 
ton from  this  time  resumed  his  labors  in  Ea.st  Kishacoquillas  congrega- 
tion, and  continued  as  stated  supply  of  it  and  Little  (Dr\')  Valley  until 
his  death  on  January  4,  1S20.  Mr.  Johnston  was  a  popular,  scriptural, 
and  affecting  preacher,  a  useful  and  beloved  pastor,  and  a  judicious  and 
influential  Presbyter.  "  He  seems  to  have  had  a  special  adaptation  to 
the  settlement  of  difficulties  among  contending  parties  in  the  church. 
At  least,  he  was  generally  appointed  by  the  Presbytery  on  committees 
in  business  of  this  kind,  and  usually  the  chairman.  This  may  have  been 
out  of  respect  to  his  age  and  sound  judgment,  as  well  as  his  conciliatory 
disposition."  He  died  lamented  by  the  congregation  among  whom  he 
had  labored  for  the  long  period  of  thirty-three  years. 

The  Session  consisted  at  this  time,  as  far  as  we  can  ascertain,  of  John 
Cooper,  Elijah  Criswell,  Matthew  Taylor,  and  William  Henry.      The 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON:  151 

Records  of  Session  prior  to  1S30  were  destroyed  in  the  burning  of  a 
house. 

The  second  pastor  was  Rev.  Samuel  Hill,  a  native  of  Ireland,  a  grad- 
uate of  the  University  of  Glasgow,  and  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Route.  He  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  of  East  Kishacoquillas 
and  Little  Valley  October  3,  182 1,  having  supplied  them  over  a  year 
previously,  until  his  probation  as  a  foreign  minister,  required  by  the 
General  Assembly,  had  expired.  He  resigned  on  February  8,  1825,  to 
accept  a  call  to  an  Associate  Reformed  Church  in  Pittsburg,  the  con- 
gregations reluctantly  consenting.  Large  additions  are  said  to  have 
been  made  to  the  membership  of  the  church  during  liis  ministry. 

The  third  pastor  was  Rev.  James  H.  Stuart,  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia,  who  was  installed  pastor  of  this  church  and  West  Kisha- 
coquillas October  26,  1827.  "  His  coming  among  them  was  the  means 
of  uniting  them  in  feeling,  and  healing  some  unhappy  divisions  which 
had  existed  among  them."  He  died  April  27,  1829,  in  the  midst  of  his 
labors,  and  was  buried  in  the  church  cemetery. 

The  fourth  pastor  was  Rev.  James  Nourse,  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia,  who  was  installed  pastor  of  this  church  alone  June  8,  1831, 
having  supplied  it  during  the  winter  previous.  The  Session  at  this  time 
consisted  of  the  following  members:  Robert  Cooper,  John  Beatty,  Henry 
Taylor,  Joseph  Kyle,  Hugh  Alexander,  Thomas  Reed,  William  Barr, 
and  Robert  Milliken.     Mr.  Nouse  resigned  in  April,  1834. 

The  fifth  pastor  was  Rev.  Joshua  Moore,  who  was  installed  June  17, 
1835,  and  continued  pastor  until  his  death,  April  15,  1854.  He  was  a 
faithful  pastor,  distinguished  for  his  eminent  piety.  His  religion  was  a 
living  principle,  a  constant  habit  of  soul,  impressing  all  who  came  in 
contact  with  him.  He  was  for  a  number  of  years  the  stated  clerk  of 
the  Presbytery.  He  died  sincerely  lamented  by  his  brethren  of  the 
Presbytery  and  the  people  of  his  charge.  He  was  the  father  of  Rev. 
S.  M.  Moore,  D.D. 

The  sixth  pastor  was  Rev.  Nathan  Shotwell,  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Washington,  Pennsylvania,  who  was  installed  June  12,  1855,  and  resigned 
in  October,  1857. 

From  December,  1857,  to  April,  1858,  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by 
Rev.  George  W.  Robertson. 

The  seventh  pastor  was  Rev.  George  Elliott,  who  was  installed  No- 
vember 9,  1858,  and  continued  pastor  until  October,  1868,  when  he  re- 
signed.    He   enjoyed  in  a  high  degree  the  confidence  and  affection  of 


152  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

the  congregation,  and  amid  their  deep  regrets  ceased  to  labor  among 
them. 

The  eighth  and  present  pastor,  Rev.  Andrew  H.  Parker,  a  licentiate 
of  the  Presbytery,  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  at  an  adjourned 
meeting  of  the  Presbytery  in  the  East  Kishacoquillas  Church,  December 
7,  1869,  having  supplied  the  pulpit  from  June  previous.  The  Session  at 
this  time  consisted  of  Henry  L.  Close,  Charles  Naginey,  and  Crawford 
Kyle.  The  present  Session  consists  of  John  D.  Barr,  James  R.  Beatty, 
Francis  A.  Means,  Robert  A.  Naginey,  William  B.  Kyle,  and  Henry  T. 
Reed. 

The  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  this  pastorate  was  kindh'  celebrated 
by  the  congregation,  June  14,  1894,  with  appropriate  services  in  the 
church,  in  which  Revs.  Wilson,  Elliott,  R.  M.  Campbell,  Kelly,  Mathers, 
Wallace,  Mateer,  and  Bergen,  and  Elders  Barr,  Naginey,  and  Woods 
participated,  followed  by  a  banquet  in  the  town-hall.  The  pastor  was 
presented  by  the  congregation  with  a  handsome  silver  water  set,  of  beau- 
tiful design  with  suitable  inscription. 

The  first  church  erected  by  this  congregation,  called  "  The  Meeting- 
House,"  was  a  rough  log  building,  one  story  high,  without  any  plaster- 
ing, without  any  floor,  and  without  any  fireplace  or  provision  made  for 
heating.  It  had  windows  on  each  side  of  the  door,  on  the  opposite  side, 
and,  perhaps,  at  each  end,  but  the  lights  were  small  and  few  in  number. 
The  seats  were  slab  benches,  made  of  split  logs,  without  backs.  The 
coldest  season  of  the  year  the  minister  had  to  preach,  and  the  people 
came  to  hear  him  with  their  overcoats  buttoned  up  to  their  chins;  and 
seldom  were  the  sermons  less  than  an  hour  and  a  half,  and  often  much 
longer.  At  what  precise  time  this  building  was  erected  it  is  impossible 
to  tell.  Those  who  worshipped  within  its  walls  have  long  ago  disap- 
peared, and  with  them  the  memory  of  it ;  and  the  interesting  incidents, 
which  were  doubtless  associated  with  its  history,  have  well-nigh  perished. 
It  was  situated  a  little  west  of  where  the  old  stone  church  stood.  To  it, 
in  its  earlier  history,  at  least  a  part  of  the  congregation  found  it  neces- 
sary to  carry  their  firearms  for  the  sake  of  protection  and  to  guard 
against  surprise  from  the  Indians. 

The  second  church  building,  the  "  Old  Stone  Church,"  large,  commo- 
dious, and  comparing  so  favorably  with  any  erected  in  the  surrounding 
country,  was  erected  in  the  year  1808.  It  is  well  remembered  by  many 
with  its  large  congregations,  its  two  long  services  with  intermission,  and 
its  boundaries  stretching  many  miles  in  every  direction. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HVXTINGDON.  1 53 

'  Its  pews  of  obdurate  pine,  straight-backed  and  tall ; 

Its  gallery,  mounted  high,  three  sides  around; 
Its  pulpit,  goblet-formed,  half  up  the  wall, 

The  sounding-board  above,  with  acorn  crowned, 
And  Rouse's  Psalms,  that  erst  therein  did  sound 

To  old  fugue  tunes,  to  some  the  thoughts  might  raise 
Of  folks  antique  that  certes  there  were  found. 

Ah,  no  I     I  wote  in  those  enchanting  days. 
There  beauty  beamed,  there  swelled  the  richest  notes  of  praise." 


The  congregation  worshipped  in  this  building  for  fifty  years.  Near 
to  it  stood  a  small  frame  building'called  "  The  Study  House."  It  was 
furnished  within  with  a  stove,  stand,  and  a  few  benches  and  chairs.  To 
it  the  minister  might  resort  to  prepare  for  the  afternoon  services.  The 
Session  also  met  here  to  discuss  and  arrange  the  business  of  the  church, 
and  to  examine  candidates  for  admission  to  membership. 

The  third  building  was  the  "  Brick  Church,"  dedicated  June  15,  1858. 
The  Rev.  G.  W.  Thompson,  D.D.,  of  Lower  Tuscarora,  preached  the 
dedicatory  sermon,  and  the  Rev.  George  Elliott  led  the  congregation  in 
the  dedicatory  prayer ;  Revs.  Dr.  Woods,  John  Elliott,  and  J.  W.  White 
being  present  and  taking  part  in  the  services.  In  this  church  the  con- 
gregation regularly  assembled  for  divine  services  during  a  period  of 
thirty-five  years.  "  Church  Hill,"  on  which  these  three  churches  were 
erected,  is  a  spot  consecrated  by  many  precious  memories,  where  the 
congregations  worshipped  during  one  hundred  and  ten  years. 

The  fourth  building  is  the  present  Stone  Church  in  Reedsville,  the 
corner-stone  of  which  was  laid  with  appropriate  services  July  23,  1892. 
It  was  dedicated  September  28,  1S93,  Rev.  J.  C.  Kelly  preaching  the 
dedicatory  sermon  from  Genesis  xxviii.  17;  the  pastor  giving  a  brief 
sketch  of  the  history  of  the  church,  and  offering  the  dedicatory  prayer ; 
and  Revs.  R.  F.  Wilson,  R.  M.  Wallace,  D.D.,  E.  H.  Mateer,  W.  H. 
Decker,  D.  W.  Woods,  and  Ex-Governor  James  A.  Beaver  being  present 
and  participating  in  the  services.  The  church  is  situated  upon  a  slight 
eminence,  commanding  a  delightful  view  of  the  surrounding  country 
east  and  west,  where  its  fine  exterior  is  visible  to  every  passer-by.  It  is 
of  handsome  brown-stone,  from  the  Walton  Quarries  at  Hummelstown, 
Pennsylvania,  trimmed  with  white  limestone  from  the  State  of  Indiana. 
It  is  built  in  a  very  attractive  style  of  Gothic  architecture,  and  has  a 
frontage  of  ninety-three  by  sixty-one  feet.  The  interior  of  the  church 
is  worthy  of  the  beautiful  exterior.     The  cost  of  the  building  and  fur- 


154  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

nishing  was  twenty-three  thousand  dollars,  all  of  which  was  subscribed 
and  paid  some  time  before  the  day  of  dedication. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  church  was  organized  about  the  year 
1832.  It  is  well  attended,  and  has  at  present  two  hundred  members. 
The  Ladies'  Foreign  Missionary-  Society  was  organized  April  15,  1882, 
with  twenty-four  members.  Since  1884  it  has  contributed  to  home  mis- 
sions also.  Its  present  membership  is  forty-two.  The  meetings  are 
interesting  and  well  attended.  The  Children's  Mission  Band  was  or- 
ganized February  2"],  1892,  with  twenty-seven  members.  The  Young 
People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  was  organized  June  20,  1893,  with 
twenty-six  charter  members.  Its  present  membership  is  sixty-seven, 
fifty-two  of  which  are  active  and  fifteen  associate  members.  Twenty  of 
the  associate  members  united  with  the  church  during  the  past  year. 
Their  meetings  every  Sabbath  evening  are  well  attended,  and  increased 
zeal  and  a  deeper  spiritual  warmth  are  manifest. 

Among  the  children  of  the  church  who  have  gone  out  from  it  into 
the  ministry  are  Rev.  John  Fleming,  missionary  to  the  Creek  Indians, 
and  an  earnest,  faithful  laborer  in  the  home  mission  field  for  over  fifty 
years;  Rev.  William  Reed,  missionary  to  India  in  1833;  Rev.  Matthew 
B.  Hope,  M.D.,  D.D.,  missionary  at  Singapore,  Corresponding  Secretary 
of  the  Board  of  Education,  and  Professor  of  Belles  Lettres  and  Political 
Economy  in  the  College  of  New  Jersey ;  and  Rev.  Samuel  M.  Cooper, 
pastor  of  Lick  Run  Church,  and  for  some  years  stated  supply  at  Clear- 
field, Little  Valley,  etc. 

The  sketch  of  the  East  Kishacoquillas  Church  would  be  incomplete 
without  a  brief  notice  of  the  old  gravej'ard  adjoining  the  site  of  the 
churches  on  the  hill.  Here  sleep  those  who  first  settled  among  the  hills 
which  surround  us  on  every  side,  the  stroke  of  whose  axe  first  broke 
the  stillness  of  the  forest,  the  ancestors  of  many  in  the  community. 
Here  lie  three  of  the  pastors  of  the  congregation,  and  all  around  them 
rest  the  remains  of  persons  who  listened  for  many  long  }-ears  to  their 
earnest,  instructive  teachings.  Tradition  says  that  the  first  funeral  was 
that  of  a  child ;  that  the  burial  was  interrupted  by  an  alarm  of  Indians ; 
that  the  settlers  hastened  to  defend  their  homes,  leaving  one  of  their 
number  to  fill  up  the  grave.  Sacred  spot,  crowned  with  growing  cedars 
as  if  to  represent  the  unfading  remembrance  of  the  departed  in  the  hearts 
of  those  who  survive. 

Andrew  H.  Parker. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  I55 

EVERETT. 

A  FEW  Presbyterian  families  seem  to  have  been  among  the  first 
settlers  in  and  about  Everett,  or  Bloody  Run,  as  the  village  was  then 
called.  Rev.  John  McElheny  and  others  preached  to  them  occasionally, 
first  in  Mr.  Samuel  Tate's  barn,  then  in  the  old  Union  Church  (long 
since  gone),  and  afterwards  in  the  school-house. 

About  the  year  1842  Mr.  Samuel  Tate  deeded  to  the  Presb\-terian 
and  Lutheran  congregations  a  lot  of  ground,  on  which  they  at  once  built 
a  house  of  worship.  Lutheran  and  Reformed  ministers  preached  in  this, 
but  the  meagre  records  of  the  church  say  nothing  of  a  Presb\-terian 
minister  filling  the  pulpit  till  about  the  year  1866,  when  Rev.  A.  V.  C. 
Schenck,  of  the  Bedford  Church,  began  to  preach  at  internals  of  perhaps 
three  weeks. 

In  the  year  1868  Rev.  R.  F.  Wilson,  another  pastor  of  the  Bedford 
Church,  began  to  preach  in  Everett  on  alternate  Sabbaths.  On  the  5th 
of  May,  1S74,  an  organization  was  effected  by  a  committee  of  the  Pres- 
byter}- of  Huntingdon,  the  number  of  members  in  the  new  organization 
being  twentj\  The  church  continued  to  form  a  pastoral  charge  in  con- 
nection with  the  Bedford  Church  till  the  year  1884.  Rev.  R.  F.  Wilson 
continued  to  serve  the  church  as  stated  supply  until  1878.  He  was 
followed  by  Rev.  John  R.  Henderson,  187S-1881,  and  he  by  Herbert 
D.  Cone,  1S82-18S3. 

In  1884  the  church's  connection  with  Bedford  was  severed,  and  Rev. 
D.  W.  Hutchison  was  installed  pastor.  He  remained  in  this  relation  for 
about  one  year.  The  pulpit  was  supplied  with  more  or  less  regularity 
by  Presbytery  till  December  6,  1887,  when  Rev.  W.  H.  Schuyler,  Ph.D., 
was  installed  pastor  for  one-half  his  time,  and  continues  in  that  relation 
to  the  present  time  (1895). 

The  church's  growth  has  been  slow,  due  chiefly  to  the  fact  that  it  is 
in  a  region  well  occupied  by  other  denominations,  to  which  the  people, 
by  birth  and  education,  are  more  inclined ;  yet  the  little  company  of 
Presbyterians  were  early  on  the  ground,  and,  feeling  that  they  can  better 
serve  the  Master  in  the  church  of  their  choice,  they  are  zealous  to  main- 
tain their  own  organization.     Present  membership  forty-seven. 

W.    H.    SCHLTLER. 


156  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

FRUIT   HILL. 

The.  few  people  who  lived  in  these  parts  of  Clearfield  County  while 
as  yet  a  dense  forest  of  fine  timber  no  doubt  enjoyed  occasionally  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel  previous  to  1835.  But  in  the  summer  of  that 
year  Revs.  David  McKinney  and  Samuel  Wilson,  of  honored  and  pre- 
cious memory,  at  their  own  suggestion  and  by  appointment  of  Presbytery, 
labored  most  successfully  among  them  for  four  weeks  or  more,  preaching 
in  barns  and  private  dwellings  as  opportunity  and  convenience  afforded. 

From  that  time  on  the  people  in  the  vicinity  of  Fruit  Hill  held  their 
meetings  and  Sabbath-school  in  a  log  barn  belonging  to  Mr.  James 
McNeel,  Sr.,  he  being  superintendent  of  the  latter. 

In  the  spring  of  1839  application  was  made  to  Presbytery  for  a  church 
organization,  which  was  granted.  Thus  Fruit  Hill  Church  was  organized 
in  the  above  log  barn,  with  thirty  members,  on  August  23,  1839,  by  Rev. 
Hill  and  Elder  John  Owen  as  a  committee  from  Huntingdon  Presbytery. 

Here  this  little  band  of  Christian  pioneers  still  worshipped  and 
enjoyed  the  preaching  of  the  word  as  Presbytery  could  supply  them. 
But  steps  were  taken  meanwhile  towards  building  a  church,  located 
where  the  cemetery  now  is,  and  it  was  completed  by  the  fall  of  1841, 
having  cost  the  members  only  fifteen  dollars  in  money. 

During  the  period  of  seventeen  years  up  to  1856  the  church  had 
been  served  with  preaching  in  connection  with  Mount  Pleasant  Church 
and  other  appointments  for  one-fourth  or  one-third  or  one-half  time,  as 
it  happened;  but  on  October  6,  1856,  at  a  congregational  meeting,  they 
decided  to  go  alone,  subject  to  Presbytery,  and  support  a  man  for  his 
full  time.  This  step  was  one  of  the  most  memorable  events  in  the 
history  of  the  church.  That  man  of  God,  Rev.  George  W.  Thompson, 
D.D.,  was  present,  had  been  preaching  and  holding  communion  for 
them,  and  by  his  eloquence  and  power  and  persuasiveness  he  fired  the 
heart  of  the  people  with  such  enthusiasm  that  they,  then  and  there, 
raised  by  subscriptions  eight  hundred  dollars  for  that  purpose.  At  a 
subsequent  meeting  they  fi.\ed  the  minister's  salary  at  that  amount. 
Four  years  later,  on  March  26,  i860,  they  decided  to  build  or  to  buy  a 
parsonage  for  the  minister,  and  raised  four  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  by 
subscriptions  for  it,  which  they  applied  on  the  purchase  of  property,  in 
the  village  of  Ansonville,  nearly  one  and  one-half  miles  from  the  church. 

The  next  great  movement  was  to  build  a  new  church,  the  old  being 
now  altogether  too  small  for  the  congregation.     The  new  church  stands 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 57 

directly  opposite  where  the  old  church  stood,  built  during  the  pastorate 
of  Rev.  David  H.  Campbell,  and  dedicated  on  May  29,  1878.  Its  entire 
cost  was  seven  thousand  four  hundred  dollars,  sixteen  hundred  of  which 
was  provided  for  on  the  day  of  dedication.  It  is  a  large  brick  and  stone 
building,  with  seating  capacity  for  six  hundred  people,  and  a  basement 
for  a  lecture  and  Sabbath-school  room.  It  is  so  large  owing  to  the  fact 
that  it  was  then  the  only  church  in  this  section  of  country,  except  a 
Baptist  church  at  Ansonville  and  a  Lutheran  church  at  New  Millport. 
People  of  all  denominations  would  come  long  distances  on  every  Sabbath 
day  and  worship  in  its  courts. 

Since  1878  other  churches  and  chapels  have  been  built  at  Madera, 
Glen  Hope,  Irvona,  Berwindale,  Ansonville,  Gazzam,  Kerrmoor,  and 
New  Millport,  drawing  largely  on  Fruit  Hill,  so  that  the  attendance  on 
Sabbath  is  not  now,  or  as  yet,  as  large  as  it  used  to  be ;  still  the  church 
reported  one  hundred  and  ninety-four  members  to  Presbytery,  April,  1895. 

Glen  Hope  Church  was  organized  from  Fruit  Hill  on  February  17, 
1878.  Berwindale  Church  was  built  during  the  ministry  of  Rev.  E.  P. 
Foresrnan,  and  dedicated  on  November  19,  1893.  Its  entire  cost  was 
thirteen  hundred  and  forty-eight  dollars  and  fifty-three  cents.  It  has 
elders  and  trustees  and  regular  services  of  its  own,  but  all  connected  with 
and  a  part  of  Fruit  Hill  Church. 

The  church  has  enjoyed  several  very  precious  revivals  since  its 
organization ;  but  the  two  most  remarkable  took  place,  one  during  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  William  Birchfield,  the  other  while  Rev.  D.  H.  Camp- 
bell was  pastor.  As  many  as  five  hundred  and  sixty-three  have  been 
received  into  the  church,  an  average  of  more  than  ten  for  each  year  of 
its  existence. 

MINISTERS    WHO    HAVE    SERVED    THE    CHURCH. 
Name.  Year. 

Rev.  Frederick  G.  Belts Supply.  1840-1843. 

Rev.  William  J.  Murphy Supply  and  pastor.  1844-1847. 

Rev.  Alexander  Boyd Supply  and  pastor.  1848-1S52. 

Rev.  James  J.  Hamilton Supply.  1S53-1855. 

Rev.  N.  S.  ConUlin Supply.  1857-1858. 

Rev.  Thomas  Stevenson Supply.  1859-1S61. 

Rev.  William  M.  Burchfield Pastor.  1863-1869. 

Rev.  N.  G.  Newell Supply.  1870-1872. 

Rev.  John  McKean  (for  about  six  months)   .  1873-1874. 

Rev.  David  H.  Campbell Pastor.  1875-1884. 

Rev.  William  W.  Woodend,  D.D.  (for  six  months'  supply).  1885. 

Rev.  William  Anderson Supply.  1886. 

Rev.  Edmund  P.  Foresman Pastor.  1886-1893. 

Rev.  Robert  George  Williams Pastor.  1894. 


IS8 


THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


ELDERS. 

Name.  Installed. 

John  Thomson August  23,  1839. 

James  McNeel,  Sr August  23,  1839. 

Robert  McCracken August  23,  1839. 

Robert  Patterson August  23,  1839. 

Joseph  Patterson August  23,  1839. 

John  Thomson,  Jr February  12,  1853. 

Benj.imin  S.  Roberts    ....  February  12,  1S53. 

John  Hunter,  Sr February  12,  1853. 

Robert  Liddell October  9,  1855. 

William  A.  Bloom     .....  February  20,  1870. 

John  G.  Wilson March  6,  1S70. 

John  Witherow November  15,  1874. 

Robert  M.  Johnston November  15,  1874. 

Reuben  Caldwell November  15,  1874. 

John  G.  Glascow December  10,  1882. 

John  M.  Hunter December  10,  1S82. 

Reuben  J.  Rex January  20,  18S3. 

William  Witherow April  I,  1888. 

Conrad  Bloom April  I,  1888. 

Samuel  H.  Witherow   ....  October  21,  1894. 

John  Newton  McCord  ....  October  21,  1894. 

Abraham  Bloom October  21,  1894. 

Hezekiah  Patterson October  21,  1894. 


Deceased. 
Deceased. 
Deceased. 
Deceased. 
Deceased. 
Deceased. 
Deceased. 
Deceased. 
Deceased. 


R.  G.  Williams. 


GIBSON   MEMORIAL  (MARTINSBURG). 

This  church  wa.s  organized  as  "  Martinsburg"  Church,  April  8,  1835  ; 
but  after  the  death  of  Dr.  Wm.  J.  Gib.son,  a  pastor,  and  the  erection  of 
a  new  church,  the  name  was  changed  to  "Gibson  Memorial"  in  1887. 
The  pastors  and  supplies  in  later  years  were  those  named  as  serving 
Duncansville  for  the  most  part,  as  the  two  churches  were  connected  in 
the  same  charge.  The  present  elders  are  David  F.  Hefifly,  Martin  Graf- 
fins,  and  Wm.  Roberts,  and  the  membership  is  fifty-five. 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 59 


GLEN   HOPE. 

This  church  was  enrolled  by  the  Presbytery  April  13,  1887.  John 
G.  Glasgow  and  Reuben  J.  Rex  are  its  present  elders,  and  its  member- 
ship is  twenty.  It  has  only  occasional  services,  from  neighboring  pastors 
or  supplies. 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


HOLLIDAYSBURG. 


As  Presbyterians  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  the  Juniata 
Valley,  so  the  Presbyterian  churches  were  the  first  which  were  then 
organized.  As  early  as  1768  the  Hollidays,  Adam  and  William,  left 
the  Conococheague,  came  to  the  Aughwick  Valley,  where  Shirleysburg 
now  is,  and  thence  to  the  site  of  Hollidaysburg.  There  was  an  old  path 
which  led  from  Kittanning,  on  the  Allegheny  River,  across  the  Allegheny 
Mountains,  through  the  gorge  now  known  as  Kittanning  Point,  past 
Hollidaysburg,  Frankstovvn,and  Alexandria,  and  continued  in  an  easterly 
direction  till  it  reached  Philadelphia.  In  those  early  days  it  was 
travelled  by  the  Indian  and  the  trader  with  his  pack-horse,  and  it  is  said 
that,  thus  used  for  many  years  by  thousands,  traces  of  its  existence  are 
discernible  at  this  day.  It  had  existed  prior  to  1756,  when  Colonel 
John  Armstrong,  from  Cumberland  County,  with  his  regiment  of  three 
hundred  and  fifty  men,  made  his  celebrated  expedition  to  the  town  of 
Kittanning,  in  the  county  now  named  in  his  honor,  to  punish  the  Indians 
who  had  been  engaged  in  the  Juniata  Valley  massacres.  He  followed 
this  path,  and  for  a  short  period  encamped  in  the  flats  forming  the  pres- 
ent site  of  Gaysport.  Thus  Hollidaysburg  lay  upon  this  path,  and  Adam 
Holliday,  who  was  a  lieutenant  of  one  of  the  companies,  was  perhaps 
the  first  Presbyterian  who  set  foot  upon  the  territory  forming  the  bounds 
of  this  church.  In  1768,  with  his  brother  William,  he  returned  and 
located  warrants  for  a  large  body  of  land  at  this  place  and  commenced 
a  settlement.  He  was  followed  by  others,  principally  Scotch-Irish  immi- 
grants, and  thus  at  that  early  day  the  Presbyterian  element  became  the 
dominant  one.  The  frequent  invasion  of  their  settlements  by  the  Indians, 
who  contested,  step  by  step,  the  approach  of  civilization  into  their  wilds, 
resulted  in  a  destruction  of  property  and  loss  of  life  that  would  have 


l6o  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

disheartened  any  others  than  those  hardy  pioneers,  who  with  their 
courage,  their  faith,  and  their  Bibles  withstood  this  harassing  and  bloody 
warfare  until  peace  brought  rest  and  a  cessation  from  ceaseless  vigilance. 

During  these  troublous  times  the  public  worship  of  God  was  not 
wanting.  The  first  preaching  of  the  gospel,  it  is  said,  was  b\-  Colonel 
Armstrong's  chaplain,  Rev.  Charles  Beatty,  at  or  near  McCahan's  mill, 
west  of  Gaysport.  Subsequently,  Rew  Dr.  King,  from  Mercersburg, 
preached  at  the  home  of  William  Holliday,  and  he  was  followed  by  Rev. 
Mr.  McDougal,  of  Path  Valley.  These  gentlemen  were  sent  here  by 
the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  which  then  embraced  all  this  portion  of  the 
State.  In  1784  a  building  of  a  temporarj-  character  for  use  in  summer 
was  erected  at  the  spring  north  of  Frankstown,  near  the  home  of  the 
late  Joseph  Hileman,  and  for  a  number  of  years  the  colonists  wor- 
shipped without  molestation ;  and  thus,  under  the  ministrations  of  AIc- 
Dougal,  John  Johnston,  of  Huntingdon,  Matthew  Stevens,  and  others, 
they  fed  their  faith  and  received  the  emblems  of  their  Saviour's  sacrifice 
and  love. 

In  17S8  the  church  was  organized  and  a  building  erected  for  per- 
manent worship  within  the  bounds  of  the  present  cemeter}^  Rev.  David 
Bard,  who  came  from  Leesburg,  Virginia,  was  the  first  pastor,  and  the 
church  was  known  as  the  Presbyterian  Church  of"  Frankstown,"  though 
it  was  changed  to  ''  Hollidaysburg"  in  1845.  That  place  (Frankstown) 
was  settled  in  1750,  and  was  named  after  a  German  trader,  Stephen 
Franks,  and  was  the  oldest  settlement  on  the  Juniata  River.  After- 
wards, as  Hollidaysburg  became  the  head  of  canal  navigation  and  grew 
rapidly  in  population,  a  large  brick  church  was  built  there  on  the  site  of 
the  present  church,  and  was  used  by  a  constantly  growing  congregation 
until  1869,  when  the  present  large  and  magnificent  edifice  was  com- 
pleted, though  it  was  not  dedicated  until  December  25,  1887. 

Mr.  Bard  continued  as  pastor  until  1799,  when  he  resigned.  Mr. 
Bard  for  many  years  represented  this  district  in  Congress,  and  was  a 
member  at  the  first  meeting  of  that  body.  While  he  was  probably  one 
of  the  few  fitted  by  education  for  this  office,  it  interfered  with  his  pas- 
toral duties  and  possibly  induced  him  to  relinquish  them.  He  was 
popular  both  as  a  pastor  and  a  politician,  and  always  manifested  a  true 
Christian  zeal  in  his  ministry. 

He  was  one  of  the  eleven  original  members  of  the  Presbytery  which 
was  organized  in  April,  1795,  and  this  church  was  therefore  one  of  the 
eleven  original  churches  of  the  Presbytery.    Thomas  McCune  and  James 


HOI  I.IDAYSBURG. 


Of   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  l6l 

Smith,  grandfather  of  the  late  Elder  Thomas  Smith,  were  the  elders  of 
the  church  in  1788. 

Mr.  Bard's  resignation  in  1799  was  accepted  by  Presbytery.  On  the 
1 2th  of  March,  1815,  while  on  his  way  home  from  Congress,  he  died  at 
Alexandria,  and  his  remains  now  lie  in  the  cemetery  of  Sinking  Valley, 
where  he  resided. 

After  his  death  the  church  was  without  a  pastor  for  almost  seventeen 
years.  What  were  the  causes  which  produced  this  result  we  have  not 
found  recorded,  but  it  fell  into  a  state  of  disorganization,  and  no  pastor 
was,  during  all  that  time,  called  to  fill  the  pulpit.  In  February,  18 16, 
Rev.  James  Galbraith,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone,  visited  the  congre- 
gation by  invitation,  and  a  call  being  presented  to  him,  he  was  received 
as  a  member  of  the  Huntingdon  Presbytery  and  pastor  of  this  church. 
One-third  of  his  time  was  also  given  to  the  church  at  Williamsburg. 
He  continued  the  pastor  until  the  fall  of  1834,  when  the  relation  was 
dissolved. 

Mr.  Galbraith,  born  in  1783,  was  the  son  of  Robert  Galbraith,  Esq., 
a  la\v_\er  in  Pittsburg,  and  it  is  said  was  a  graduate  of  Jefferson  College. 
He  was  ordained  in  18 10,  and  was  pastor  of  the  Mahoning  Church  in 
Indiana  County  until  he  came  here. 

He  is  remembered  as  a  well-educated  man,  a  great  reader,  a  "good 
historian,"  and  as  possessing  a  remarkable  memory.  He  was  very  com- 
panionable, and  exhibited  traits  that  made  him  widely  known.  His 
preaching  was  instructive,  and  he  was  a  faithful  and  zealous  workman. 
His  contemporaries  were  men  who  were  conspicuous  in  this  early  period 
of  the  church,  such  as  James  and  John  Johnston,  Morrison,  Brvson, 
Linn,  Grier,  Hutcheson,  and  others.  Of  these,  Rev.  John  Hutcheson 
was  known  as  the  theologian  of  the  Presbytery  and  Rev.  Isaac  Grier  as 
having  no  superior  in  the  State  as  a  teacher  of  the  Latin  and  Greek 
languages.  He  was  also  the  father  of  the  late  Robert  C.  Grier,  eminent 
as  a  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States. 

In  1 834  the  General  Assembl}'  was  controlled  by  that  portion  of  the 
church  afterwards  known  as  "  The  New  School."  The  minority,  after 
the  adjournment  of  that  body,  adopted  a  certain  paper  entitled  "  The 
Act  and  Testimony,"  which  recited  that  certain  teachings  throughout 
the  limits  of  the  church  were  contrary  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Confession 
of  Faith  and  Catechism,  and  sent  it  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their 
consideration.  The  Huntingdon  Presbytery  adopted  it  by  a  considerable 
majority,  and  Mr.  Galbraith  voted  to  approve  the  declarations  contained 


1 62  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

in  the  paper.  This  not  only  indicated  his  own  loyalty  to  the  standards 
of  the  church,  but  the  Presbytery  also  thus  early  exhibited  a  conserva- 
tism which  has  since  been  consistently  maintained. 

Mr.  Galbraith  was  in  1834  succeeded  by  John  A.  Dunlap,  a  licentiate 
commissioned  by  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions.  Being  in  feeble 
health  he  was  not  ordained,  but  served  the  congregation  for  a  period  of 
three  years.  In  1837  he  went  to  Cincinnati,  and  associated  himself  in 
the  editorial  management  of  the  Western  Presbyteriari  with  Rev.  W.  D. 
Smith.     We  have  not  been  able  to  trace  his  subsequent  career. 

In  1838  Rev.  William  J.  Gibson  was  called  from  Philadelphia  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  church.  This  relation  was  dissolved  in  1 841,  and  Dr. 
Gibson  removed  to  a  number  of  other  churches,  and  finally  became  the 
pastor  at  Duncansville,  which  was  his  last  charge.  He  retired  from  his 
clerical  duties  in  1880,  and  the  act  was  made  the  occasion  of  the  churches 
in  the  Presbytery  manifesting  their  affection  for  him  and  appreciation  of 
his  services  by  a  visitation  at  his  home  in  November,  18S0,  and  the  pre- 
sentation of  a  purse  containing  over  fifteen  hundred  dollars.  He  died 
at  Duncansville  in  October,  1883. 

He  was  in  his  day  a  typical  Presbyterian  minister.  He  was  known 
for  his  orthodoxy,  was  sound  in  his  faith  and  teachings,  and  tolerated  no 
shortcomings  in  the  candidates  subjected  to  Presbyterial  examinations. 
To  many  of  them  he  was  a  source  of  terror,  but  this  unnecessary  alarm 
fortunately  proved  an  incentive  to  greater  effort  and  more  scrupulous 
accuracy.  His  massive  form  was  for  many  years  a  familiar  sight  on  the 
Presbyterial  floor.  His  labors,  usefulness,  and  learning  will  long  be 
remembered. 

Rev.  David  McKinney  was  called  in  1841,  and  he  served  the  church 
until  1852,  when  he  laid  down  his  charge  to  assume  the  editorial  man- 
agement of  the  Presbyteriati  Banner,  since  become  a  highly-successful 
publication.  Dr.  McKinney's  name  was  eminent  in  the  church.  He 
was  studious,  industrious,  and  erudite.  His  sermons  were  models  of 
composition,  and  in  their  teaching  of  the  gospel  were  analytic,  clear,  and 
strong.  We  recall  no  effort  at  embellishment,  but  his  presentation  of 
the  truth  of  his  te.xt  left  little  to  be  said  and  nothing  to  be  misunder- 
stood. He  died  at  Sewickley,  Pennsylvania,  in  the  year  1879.  His  son, 
Rev.  I.  N.  McKinney,  became  a  professor  of  Latin  in  Jefferson  College, 
where  he  remained  for  one  year,  and  died  about  three  years  afterwards 
at  Sewickley.  Rev.  William  W.  McKinney,  D.D.,  one  of  the  editors  of 
the  Presbyterian,  is  also  a  son. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  163 

Rev.  David  X.  Junkin,  D.D.,  succeeded  Dr.  McKinney  in  1853, 
having  been  installed  in  that  year.  He  was  a  brother  of  the  well-known 
Dr.  George  Junkin,  received  a  collegiate  education,  and  was  first  ordained 
a  minister  of  the  gospel  in  the  year  1835.  He  then  became  the  pastor 
of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Greenwich,  New  Jersey,  where  he 
served  for  seventeen  years.  For  two  years  and  a  half  after  that  he 
labored  as  pastor  of  the  "  F "  Street  Church  of  Washington,  D.  C. 
Thence  he  was  called  to  this  church,  and  remained  until  December, 
i860,  when  at  his  own  request  the  relation  was  dissolved.  Subsequently, 
he  acted  as  a  chaplain  in  the  United  States  navy  for  a  season,  during  the 
War  of  the  Rebellion,  and  afterwards  removed  to  New  Castle,  Pennsyl- 
vania.    He  died  in  the  year  1880  at  Martinsburg,  West  Virginia. 

He  was  a  highly-educated  and  cultured  man.  In  his  preaching  he 
was  incisive  and  eloquent.  The  resources  of  his  reading  and  study  ap- 
peared upon  every  page  of  his  carefully-prepared  sermons,  and  his  in- 
tellectual strength  gave  a  vigor  to  his  thought  and  language  possessed 
by  few  ministers  of  his  day.  He  was  quick  to  discern  any  encroachment 
upon  his  rights,  and  the  rights  and  teachings  of  his  church,  of  which 
he  was  a  zealous  defender,  but  he  was  genial  and  sunny,  and  the  warmth 
of  his  manner  and  the  graces  of  his  conversation  won  him  deserved 
admiration  from  all  who  met  him. 

After  the  departure  of  Dr.  Junkin  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Rev. 
David  Sterrett,  of  Carlisle,  until  August,  1861,  when  Rev.  David  H. 
Barron,  of  the  Mount  Pleasant  Church,  in  the  Redstone  Presbytery,  was 
elected  pastor.  Though  his  ministry  began  in  September  he  was  not 
installed  until  November,  1861.  He  is  still  the  pastor  of  this  church. 
He  is  one  of  the  oldest  members  of  the  Presbytery  in  point  of  residence, 
and  no  one  is  better  known  in  the  annual  meetings  of  that  body.  His 
faithful  devotion  to  duty,  his  scrupulous  adherence  to  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel  only,  and  his  scholarly  attainments,  directed  by  his  great 
ability,  have  made  him  widely  known,  and  have  procured  him  great 
success  as  a  spiritual  teacher,  and  given  him  a  long  career  unbroken  by 
the  slightest  discord  in  his  pastoral  relation.  He  is  the  only  living  one 
of  this  church's  pastors.  We  forbear  to  speak  further  of  him  at  this 
time.  Dr.  Barron  received  the  honorary  degree  of  D.D.  from  Wash- 
ington and  Jefferson  College  in  1885. 

The  Church  of  Hollidaysburg  is  the  alma  mater  of  churches.  The 
first  of  her  offspring  was  the  Duncansville  Church,  which  went  off  in 
1845.     Again,  in  1850  and  subsequent  years,  many  of  her  members  went 


164  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

to  make  the  congregation  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Ahoona, 
and  the  expansion  of  that  church  has  led  to  the  organization  and  ex- 
istence at  this  time  of  the  Second  and  Third  Presbyterian  Churches  of 
Altoona,  and  to  them  may,  perhaps,  be  added  the  Broad  Street  and 
Juniata  Churches. 

To  the  ministry  this  church  has  contributed  Rev.  Samuel  T.  Wilson, 
D.D.,  Rev.  I.  N.  McKinney,  Rev.  James  Smith,  Rev.  William  W.  Mc- 
Kinney,  D.D.,  Rev.  Paul  D.  Gardner,  and  Rev.  John  W.  Simpson. 

The  church  edifice,  including  the  chapel,  with  se.xton's  residence, 
stands  upon  a  square  of  ground  at  Penn  and  Walnut  Streets,  and  cost 
about  sixty  thousand  dollars.  The  parsonage,  a  large  and  commodious 
house  on  the  opposite  corner,  is  valued  at  eight  thousand  dollars. 

The  HoUidaysburg  Male  and  Female  Seminary,  founded  by  members 
of  this  congregation  in  1866,  occupies  the  square  immediately  opposite 
the  church,  and  is  a  highly  prosperous  institution.  Rev.  Joseph  Waugh 
and  Dr.  R.  S.  Hitchcock,  Presbyterian  ministers,  conducted  the  school 
during  nearly  all  the  period  of  its  existence. 

It  is  manifest  from  this  review  of  this  church's  history  that  it  has 
been  a  potent  agent  in  the  civilization  of  this  region.  It  began  when 
the  settler's  axe  and  rifle  attacked  the  forest  and  the  savage  which  op- 
posed the  white  man's  advance.  Religion  and  courage  came  hand  in 
hand  with  these  Presbyterian  settlers,  and  to-day,  amid  this  teeming 
population  and  these  surrounding  evidences  of  commerce,  industry,  and 
wealth,  that  same  faith  permeates  the  mind  that  directs  this  mighty  ad- 
vance, and  largely  dominates  the  actors  of  the  day. 

Many  men  of  usefulness,  intelligence,  and  eminence  have  gone  out 
from  this  church  to  fill  positions  of  duty  and  honor,  and  it  is  known 
that  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  from  the  pulpit  of  this  church, 
during  this  century,  has  borne  a  fruitage  that  not  only  attests  the  piety 
and  devotion  of  its  servants,  but  gave  at  least  some  glory  to  the  name 
of  Him  of  whom  they  were  the  honored  heralds. 

ELDERS   OF    HOLLIDAYSBURG   CHURCH. 

TTiomas  McCune Ordained  17S8. 

James  Smith Ord.iined  1788. 

Alexander  Fulton Ordained  1800. 

Alexander  Waugh Ordained  1800. 

John  blair Ordained  1816. 

James  Robison   .    .   '. Ordained  1816. 

James  Smith,  Jr Ordained  1816. 


HOUTZDALE. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF   HUNTINGDON.  1 65 

Isaac  Rosebaugh Ordained  1816. 

Joseph  Patton Ordained  1S16. 

Alexander  Knox     "| 

Thomas  B.  Moore    I 

T  I      r>    n- iji  I-  Record  lost. 

John  B.  RiJdIe 

John  G.  McKee      J 

Jolin  Lytte      Ordained  1841. 

Jonathan  Hamilton Ordained  1 842. 

John  McCartney Ordained  1842. 

Joseph  Smith Ordained  1842. 

Charles  Wilson Ordained  1842. 

William  C.  McCormick Ordained  1842. 

Samuel  Moore Ordained  1842. 

James  D.  Rea Ordained  1854. 

William  R.  Finley,  M.D Ordained  1854. 

Joseph  Dysart Ordained  1854. 

Thomas  Smith Ordained  1855. 

Robert  R.  Hamilton Ordained  1S55. 

Hon.  Samuel  S.  Blair Ordained  1S68. 

Crawford  Irvin,  M.D Ordained  1868. 

Hon.  Augustus  S.  Landis Ordained  1S68. 

Robert  Riddle .  Ordained  1868. 

Professor  James  A.  Stewart Ordained  189I. 

John  T.  Akers Ordained  1891. 

John  Cree Ordained  1S91. 

Robert  W.  Smith Ordained  1891. 

Augustus  S.  Landis. 


HOUTZDALE. 


Presbyterian  services  were  first  held  in  Houtzdale,  in  1870  and  1871, 
by  Rev.  William  Prideaux,  then  serving  the  Beulah  Church.  In  1873 
occasional  services  were  held  at  Houtzdale  by  Rev.  William  Gemmill, 
pastor  of  Beulah  Church.  In  1874  regular  services  were  held  every  two 
weeks,  meeting  in  what  was  called  the  "  Union  Church,"  under  the  care 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  brethren. 

Upon  request  made  to  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  a  committee 
was  appointed  April  13,  1875,  to  organize  a  Presbyterian  church  at 
Houtzdale,  if  the  way  be  clear.  The  Revs.  W.  Gemmill  and  N.  A.  Mil- 
ler, and  Elder  George  W.  McCuUy,  were  that  committee.  They  met  at 
Houtzdale,  July  17,  1875,  in  the  "  Union  Church,"  and  oiganizcd  a  church 
to  be  known  as  the  "  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Houtzdale,  Pennsyl- 
vania."    Nineteen  members  united  in  the  organization,  of  whom  all  but 


1 66  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

two  were  received  by  letter.  Peter  Cameron,  James  Blades,  and  William 
Watchman,  all  being  elders  from  the  Arnot  Church,  Presbytery  of  Wells- 
boro',  were  elected  elders.  A  goodly  number  of  the  members  were 
from  Arnot  also. 

W.  Gemmill  served  the  church  as  stated  supply  until  1878,  when  the 
congregation  having  erected  and  dedicated  a  new  house  of  worship,  the 
present  one,  they  called  him  as  pastor  for  one-half  of  his  time,  thus 
joining  with  Beulah  in  his  support.  Rev.  W.  Gemmill  continued  to 
ser\^e  the  church  as  pastor  until  July,  1887.  During  his  pastorate  one 
hundred  and  ninety-six  members  were  added  to  the  church. 

Rev.  A.  A.  Bird  was  engaged  as  stated  supply  for  half  his  time  in 
July  of  the  same  year.  On  September  25,  1887,  the  church  separated 
from  Beulah  and  engaged  Mr.  Bird  as  pastor,  who  continued  to  serve  the 
church  until  October,  1891.  During  this  time  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
seven  members  were  added  to  the  church,  and  there  was  a  corresponding 
increase  also  in  the  Sabbath-school. 

Rev.  D.  V.  Mays  was  elected  pastor  April  26,  1892,  and  remained 
until  November  1 1,  1894.  During  Mr.  May's  pastorate  one  hundred  and 
four  members  were  added  to  the  church. 

On  January  12,  Rev.  J.  A.  McDonald  began  W'ork  as  pastor-elect,  and 
was  installed  as  pastor  May  7.  The  increase  of  membership  in  his  time, 
up  to  the  present,  is  twenty-two.  The  church  has  had  in  the  twenty-two 
years  of  its  history  four  pastors  and  a  total  membership  of  nearly  six 
hundred.  The  removals,  however,  especially  during  the  last  few  years, 
have  been  very  numerous,  so  that  at  no  time  has  the  roll  of  members  in 
good  standing  numbered  more  than  two  hundred. 

Two  of  the  three  elders  originally  elected  still  serve  the  church, — 
viz.,  Peter  Cameron  and  James  Blades.  Mr.  Cameron  has  also  served 
the  Sabbath-school  as  superintendent  from  its  very  infancy,  twenty-two 
years  ago,  up  to  the  present  time. 

The  Session  is  composed  of  Peter  Cameron,  James  Blades,  J.  H.  Hahn 
(installed  1892),  and  George  Ganoe,  William  Pollock,  William  R.  Cam- 
eron, John  Eaton,  and  Alex.  Caldwell.  The  latter  five  were  installed 
into  office  June  9,  1895.  The  elders  of  the  church  are  all  teachers  in 
the  Sabbath-school  with  the  exception  of  Mr.  Hahn,  who  has  recently 
retired  from  the  work  on  account  of  age. 

The  Sabbath-school  has  an  average  attendance  of  about  two  hundred 
and  twenty,  with  about  two  hundred  and  seventy  on  the  roll.  The 
membership  of  the  church  is  two  hundred  and  twenty.     The  Senior 


HOUTZUAlt.       PASTORS. 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 67 

Young   People's   Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  has   over  forty  active 
members  and  twenty  associate. 

The  Junior  Endeavor  has  one  hundred  members.  There  is  a  branch 
Sabbath-school  at  Whiteside  Run,  about  two  miles  southeast  of  Houtz- 
dale,  which  meets  every  Sabbath  afternoon  in  a  school-house,  with  about 
eighty  members.  Services  are  also  held  there  every  Sabbath  evening 
by  the  elders,  who  take  turns  in  conducting  it,  and  once  a  month  by  the 
pastor,  who  also  conducts  service  at  Amesville,  about  three  miles  west, 
every  second  Sabbath  afternoon,  where  about  thirty  members  of  the 
church  reside.  A  union  Sabbath-school  is  held  in  the  school-house 
there  every  Sabbath  morning,  conducted  mainly  by  the  members  of  the 
church  ;  this  school  has  upwards  of  one  hundred  members. 

The  trustees  of  the  church  are  Mr.  Leonard,  Mr.  R.  Cameron,  Jos. 
Barr,  Thomas  Gillies,  James  Steele,  Robert  Shaw. 

About  one  hundred  and  fift\'-five  dollars  have  been  raised  since  last 
spring  towards  the  boards  of  the  church,  including  seventy-six  dollars 
towards  the  Million  Dollar  Fund. 

The  services  of  the  church  are  as  follows  :  Service,  Sabbath  morning, 
10.30  A.M.;  evening,  7  p.m.  Sabbath-school,  11.45  a.m.  Junior  Chris- 
tian Endeavor,  3.30  p.m.  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  En- 
deavor, 6.30  P.M.  Cottage  prayer-meeting,  Monday,  7.30  p.m.  Church 
prayer-meeting,  Wednesday,  7.30  p.m.  Prayer-meeting,  Amesville,  Tues- 
^^y>  7-30  FM-  Preaching  service,  every  second  Sabbath,  2.30  p.m. 
Prayer-meeting,  Sabbath  evening,  7  p.m.  Prayer-meeting,  Whiteside, 
Thursday,  7  p.m.  Sabbath-school,  Sabbath,  2.30  p.m.  Preaching  ser- 
vice. Sabbath,  7  p.m. 

Houtzdale  being  a  mining  town,  the  population  is  of  a  transient 
character,  which  accounts  for  the  great  discrepancy  between  the  number 
added  to  the  roll  of  membership  and  the  number  in  good  standing. 

J.  A.  MacDonald. 


HUBLERSBURG. 


This  church  was  organized  in  1840  as  a  New-School  Church,  and, 
with  Spring  Mills,  also  New-School,  till  1870  was  served  by  the  same 
pastors.  Had  a  large  congregation  and  large  building,  but  only  nine 
members  now,  and  no  elders  and  no  preaching  lately.  Has  had  some 
supplies  for  many  years  past. 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


l68  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 


HUNTINGDON. 

The  records  of  the  Session  of  this  church  from  the  date  of  its  organi- 
zation up  to  1825 — a  period  of  thirty-six  years — have  unfortunately  been 
lost.  Dr.  Gibson,  in  his  history  of  the  Presb)tery  of  Huntingdon,  says, 
"  The  first  records  of  the  congregation  were  burned  up  with  the  court- 
house before  1795."  But  the  statement  is  doubtless  an  error.  More 
probably  the  records  were  consumed  at  the  time  the  dwelling  of  Mr. 
Jacob  Miller  was  burned, — about  the  year  1824.  .Mr.  Miller  was  an 
elder  and  was  clerk  of  the  Session,  and  the  records  made  by  him  after- 
wards, from  1825  to  1838,  are  written  with  almost  the  accuracy  and 
beauty  of  an  engraving. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The  church  was  organized  in  all  probability  at  a  meeting  of  the 
congregation  held  on  the  6th  of  July,  1789.  At  the  same  meeting,  or 
soon  after,  a  call  was  made  for  the  pastoral  services  of  the  Rev.  John 
Johnston,  who  was  at  the  time  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Hart's  Log 
and  Shaver's  Creek,  and  who,  we  assume,  took  part  in  the  organization 
of  this  church.  October  7,  1789,  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  released 
Mr.  Johnston  from  the  pastorate  of  the  Shaver's  Creek  Church  to  accept 
a  call  from  the  Huntingdon  congregation  to  become  pastor  of  this  church 
in  union  with  the  church  at  Hart's  Log,  in  the  valley  near  Alexandria, 
and  Mr.  Johnston  accepted  the  call  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Presby- 
tery, April  13,  1790.  The  original  subscription  made  for  the  support  of 
Mr.  Johnston  is  still  in  possession  of  the  Hon.  J.  Simpson  Africa. 

We  insert  a  copy  as  a  matter  of  history : 

"  HUNTINGDON   CONGREGATION   SUBSCRIPTION. 

"  We  whose  names  are  hereunto  annexed  do  agree  to  pay  the  several  sums  prefixed  to  our 
names,  yearly,  and  every  year  unto  the  hands  of  Benjamin  Elliott,  Esq.,  who  is  empowered 
to  sue  and  recover  said  sums,  if  failure  in  payment,  for  the  one-half  of  the  Rev.  John  Johns- 
ton's ministerial  labors  to  be  performed  at  the  town  of  Huntingdon. 

"July  6,  1789. 

"  List  of  Subscribers. 

C  >.  d. 


Benjamin  Elliott, 
Andrew  Henderson, 
James  Hamilton, 
Samuel  Riddle, 
Charles  Smith, 
Robert  Galbraith, 


c 

X.  d. 
10  0 

Alexander  Dean, 

10  0 
10  0 

John  Kee, 
John  Patton, 

10  0 

Caleb  Armitage, 

10  0 

10  0 

John  Reed, 
Alex.  McConnell, 

I  5  o 
15  o 

I  5  o 
18  o 
IS  o 

I     5  o 


REV.  A.  N.   HOLLIRJHLD,   I). I). 
REV.  GEO.   W.  ZAHNISER. 


KhV.    LOWMAN    1".    HAWIiS. 

REV.  JOHN  JOHNSTON. 
REV.    n.    K.    IREEMAN,    I). I). 


REV.    O.   O.    McCI.EAN,    I).D. 
REV.  JOHN    PEEBLES. 


PASTORS    HUNTINC.DON    PKESliVTF.KIAN   CHlIRi:il. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


169 


List  of  Subscribers — Continued. 

i.    ^■ 

J. 

Archibald  Ramsey, 

0 

0 

Patrick  Leonard, 

Robert  Riddle, 

I     0 

0 

Peter  Vandevander, 

John  Dean, 

I     5 

0 

John  Simpson, 

Michael  Humbert, 

10 

0 

John  Light, 

Peter  Stevens, 

10 

0 

John  George, 

George  Martin, 

10 

0 

Robert  Simpson, 

John  Griffith, 

10 

0 

James  Elliott, 

Henry  McCarthy, 

IS 

0 

Robert  Patton, 

Isaac  Armitage, 

0 

0 

George  Guthrie, 

Peter  Sivoope, 

7 

6 

John  Weston, 

Moses  Donaldson, 

0 

0 

George  Buchanan, 

Jesse  Head, 

10 

0 

John  Ashbaugh, 

Matthew  Simpson, 

I     0 

0 

Hugh  Tanner, 

William  Simpson, 

10 

0 

John  Fee,  Jr., 

Samuel  McKenny, 

IS 

0 

John  Shaver, 

William  Moore, 

IS 

0 

John  Covanhovan, 

Abraham  Haines, 

10 

0 

David  McMurtrie, 

Jacob  Laird, 

17 

6 

William  Mcllvain, 

Abraham  Dearduff, 

7 

6 

John  Cadwallader, 

Joshua  Lewis, 

5 

0 

£    J-  ''■ 

I     00 

15  o 

15  o 

5  o 

7  6 

10  o 

10  o 

7  6 

10  o 

15  o 

10  o 

7  6 

15  o 

7  6 

7  6 

76 

I     00 

10  o 

I  10  o" 


The  Presbyterian  is  the  oldest  church  organization  in  Huntingdon. 
Dr.  WiUiam  Smith,  provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, — who 
laid  out  the  town  and  named  it  in  honor  of  the  Countess  of  Hunting- 
don,— during  his  visits  to  the  place  no  doubt  conducted  religious  services 
according  to  the  rites  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  but  did  not  organize  a 
church.  The  Lutherans  came  in  1791,  the  Methodists  in  1797.  A 
German  Reformed  minister  came  in  1806.  But  the  Presbyterians  pushed 
their  way  up  the  Juniata  to  Standing  Stone  early  in  the  century  and 
organized  a  church  July  6,  1789. 


ELDERS. 

The  eldership — that  efficient  and  scriptural  form  of  church  govern- 
ment— has  been  no  exception  in  this  congregation.  The  pastors  have 
always  enjoyed  the  co-operation  of  intelligent  and  faithful  elders.  Jacob 
Miller,  Samuel  Steele,  and  John  Ker  were  ruling  elders  in  1825,  the  date 
at  which  our  records  begin.  i\Ir.  Miller  served  as  elder  for  a  period  of 
thirty-eight  years,  and  died  in  the  faith  of  Christ  in  1863  at  the  ripe  age 
of  seventy-six.  Mr.  Ker  served  his  church  for  more  than  thirty  years, 
and  entered  into  his  rest  October  30,  1855.  Dr.  Gibson  says  of  him, 
"  The  name  of  Judge  John  Ker  is  still  savory  in  all  this  region,  and  will 


170  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

be  held  in  lasting  remembrance  by  the  congregation  and  people  of  Hunt- 
ingdon." 

Mr.  Charles  H.  Miller  served  the  church  as  elder  the  long  period  of 
thirty-seven  years  and  as  clerk  for  thirty  years.  His  brethren  say,  "  The 
Session  of  this  church  desire  to  bear  their  testimony  to  the  uniforni 
fidelity  with  which  he  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office, — his  humble, 
consistent  Christian  life  and  his  faithful  attendance  upon  all  the  ordi- 
nances of  God's  house." 

Hon.  John  Scott  served  the  church  faithfully  as  elder  during  twenty- 
two  years  and  as  Sabbath-school  superintendent  for  a  number  of  years. 
He  now  resides  in  Philadelphia. 

Mr.  Henry  Glazier  was  an  elder  for  thirty-three  years,  and  died  Jan- 
uary 22,  1888.  The  Session  testify  to  his  beautiful  Christian  character: 
"  He  ever  sustained  the  reputation  of  a  God-fearing  man.  He  attended 
faithfully  to  all  the  duties  he  sustained  to  the  church.  His  end  was 
peace,  and  he  came  to  his  grave  in  full  age,  like  as  a  shock  of  corn 
Cometh  in  his  season." 

Mr.  G.  Barton  Armitage,  having  served  as  elder  and  clerk  for  seven 
years,  removed  from  Huntingdon.  At  this  date  the  ruling  elders  of  the 
church  are  Messrs.  William  P.  Orbison,  Samuel  T.  Brown,  William 
Dorris,  J.  Randolph  Simpson,  C.  R.  McCarthy,  George  M.  McAlevy, 
and  William  B.  McCarthy.  It  is  evident  that  this  church  has  been 
favored  from  its  organization  with  an  efficient  and  faithful  eldership.  It 
has  been  the  right  arm  of  the  church.  The  prosperity  of  this  congre- 
gation has  been  due  in  a  large  degree  to  the  wisdom  and  fidelity  of  the 
elders,  supported  as  they  have  always  been  by  the  confidence  and  liber- 
ality of  the  members.  To  their  honor  let  it  be  recorded  that  never  in 
the  historj'  of  this  church  for  a  century  has  there  arisen  strife  or  discord 
between  pastor  and  Session.  Ami  after  nearly  fourteen  years'  experience 
we  bear  cheerful  testimony  to  the  Christian  confidence  and  harmony 
which  have  always  prevailed  in  our  meetings. 

DEACONS. 

May  24,  1876,  Messrs.  Charles  Kershaw,  R.  A.  Orbison,  and  B.  F. 
Isenberg  were  elected  to  the  office  of  deacon,  whose  duty  it  has  been 
to  minister  to  the  wants  of  the  poor  of  the  church.  To  this  object  the 
offerings  of  communion  Sabbaths  are  sacredly  devoted. 

Mr.  Isenberg  is  also  treasurer  of  the  church,  and  cheerfully  performs 
whatever  duties  pertain  to  his  office. 


HUNTINGDON    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH. 


li 


^ 

^ 


^1 


M 


t^ 


GEO.   M.   McALEVY.  W.  B.   McCARTHV. 

SAM'l    T.   brown.  WM.    p.   OKBISOK.  WILLIAM    DORRIS. 

c    R.  McCarthy.  j.  r.  simpson. 


ELDERS    HUNTINGDON    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH. 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  171 

TRUSTEES. 

The  temporal  affairs  of  the  church  are  administered  by  a  board  of 
trustees  elected  by  the  congregation  from  year  to  year.  It  is  to  the 
honor  of  this  congregation  that  members  have  been  ready  to  accept  this 
office  and  to  discharge  the  somewhat  burdensome  duties  at  the  call  of 
the  people.  And  it  is  a  pleasure  to  record  that  the  business  affairs  of 
the  church  have  always  been  wisely  and  efficiently  managed. 

INCORPORATION. 

On  the  petition  of  David  Blair,  Esq.,  and  other  members  of  the  con- 
gregation, to  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  a  decree  was  made  incorpo- 
rating "  The  Huntingdon  Presbyterian  Congreg.\tion"  on  the  fifteenth 
day  of  April,  1843. 

PASTORS. 

The  church  has  had  only  six  pastors  during  the  century  of  its  history, 
— the  present  pastor  being  the  seventh.  This  is  a  remarkable  record : 
only  seven  pastors  in  one  hundred  and  six  years,  and  the  last  pastorate 
yet  unfinished.  Elder  W.  P.  Orbison  has  seen  and  remembers  every 
pastor  of  the  church. 

The  Rev.  John  Johnston  was  pastor  from  1790  to  1823,  over  thirty- 
three  years.  He  resigned  in  July  and  died  December  16,  1823.  He 
was  most  probably  present  at  the  organization  of  the  church,  and  pre- 
vious to  that  was  appointed  by  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  to  supply  the 
congregation  at  Standing  Stone.  He  was  a  preacher  of  marked  abilitj', 
— a  man  of  culture  and  scholarship.  He  organized  and  taught  for  many 
years  a  classical  school  in  Huntingdon.  One  of  his  pupils  was  the 
author  of  Smart's  Horace.  He  was  stated  clerk  of  the  Presbyterj'  of 
Huntingdon  for  many  years,  and  never,  it  is  said,  were  the  minutes  more 
accurately  kept.  A  work  by  him,  entitled  "  A  Vindication  of  the  Doc- 
trines of  the  Reformation,"  evinces  decided  abilitJ^  Dr.  Gibson,  refer- 
ring to  some  of  his  sermons  still  extant,  says,  "  These  are  very  learned 
and  interesting  discourses." 

The  Rev.  John  Peebles  becames  pastor  in  1825.  He  closed  his  long 
and  useful  pastorate  in  1850.  Mr.  Peebles  was  remarkable  for  the  gen- 
tleness of  his  disposition,  the  purity  of  his  life,  and  the  e.xalted  type  of 
his  Christian  character,  which  shone  forth  before  this  community  clear  as 
the  sun.  He  was  greatly  gifted  in  prayer.  One  who  remembers  him 
said  to  me,  "  I  never  heard  any  one  more  able  in  prayer."  Says  Dr. 
Gibson,  "  The  loveliness  of  his  private  character  and  the  conscientious 


172  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

performance  of  all  the  duties  of  life  were  the  winning  charms  which  so 
greatly  endeared  him  to  his  pastoral  charge." 

The  Rev.  Lowman  P.  Hawes  was  pastor  from  1850  to  1854.  He 
was  a  retiring,  scholarly  man,  and  prepared  his  sermons  with  much  care. 
But  failing  health  soon  compelled  him  to  relinquish  his  charge. 

The  Rev.  O.  O.  McClean,  D.D.,  was  pastor  from  1854  to  1859.  He 
was  an  able  and  vigorous  preacher, — often  brilliant  and  elocjuent.  He 
was  a  kind-hearted  and  affectionate  pastor. 

The  Rev.  George  W.  Zahniscr  was  pastor  from  1859  to  1875,  a  pas- 
torate of  sixteen  years.  He  was  a  profound  and  instructive  preacher. 
Under  no  preacher  has  this  people  been  more  thoroughly  indoctrinated 
in  the  standards  of  our  church  and  the  teachings  of  the  word  of  God. 
He  was  a  sympathetic  and  conscientious  pastor,  an  able,  modest,  good 
man.     He  died  June  12,  1889. 

The  Rev.  A.  N.  HoUifield,  D.D.,  was  pastor  from  1876  to  1882.  He 
was  an  earnest  preacher  and  a  faithful  and  affectionate  pastor. 

The  Rev.  D.  K.  Freeman,  D.D.,  became  pastor  in  1882.  His  pas- 
torate has  continued  over  thirteen  years  and  is  still  unfinished. 

REVIVALS. 

The  spiritual  life  of  this  church  through  its  entire  history  has  been 
characterized  by  revivals.  These  outpourings  of  the  spirit  of  God — like 
showers  in  summer — have  been  frequent  and  sometimes  very  powerful. 

In  1828,  Mr.  Peebles  pastor,  the  church  was  revived  and  sixty-five 
added. 

In  1832  there  was  another  revival  and  a  large  accession. 

In  1843  occurred  a  revival  of  great  power,  and  eighty-six  were 
added. 

In  1858,  Dr.  McClean  pastor,  a  revival,  and  a  large  accession. 

In  1873,  Mr.  Zahniser  pastor,  a  work  of  grace,  and  many  admitted. 

In  1876,  the  church  being  without  a  pastor,  a  revival  began  under 
the  preaching  of  Dr.  Wallace  and  Dr.  Wilson,  a  committee  from  Pres- 
bytery, and  was  continued  under  the  ministry  of  Mr.  HoUifield.  This 
was  a  powerful  revival.  The  whole  community  was  stirred.  More  than 
two  hundred  and  fifty  were  received  into  this  church. 

In  1885  a  work  of  grace,  and  forty-eight  were  admitted. 

In  1888  a  deep  religious  interest,  and  thirty  professed  Christ. 

In  1892,  after  union  services  held  by  the  Rev.  F.  E.  Smiley,  forty- 
seven  new  members  were  received  into  our  communion. 


THE    FIRST    CHUKCH    lillll.UlNCi    Ol-    HUNTINCiDON    I'KI-.SIiVTl-.KIAN    (llUKi;!!. 

OCCUPII.I)   KUOM    iSjO  TO    lSj\^.        STll.L   STANDINC,    AT   lOUKTH   AND   M(l  I  1  IN   STS. 

SECOND  CHURCH   liUII.DINCi  STOOD  ON  TMI-   CORNl-.K   Ol-   SlXl'H   AND   l'i;NN   STRIiETS. 

OCCUIMKl)    1-KOM     I.S45    TO    IS75. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 73 

CHURCHES. 

For  many  years  after  the  church  was  organized  the  congregation 
was  without  a  house  of  worship,  and  religious  services  were  held  in  the 
court-house.  In  18 17  the  Episcopalians,  Lutherans,  and  Presbyterians 
united  to  build  a  church,  which  they  jointly  occupied  for  some  years. 
But  the  union  was  not  a  happy  one  through  some  incompatibility  of 
disposition,  and  the  interest  of  each  in  the  church  was  finally  sold  at 
sheriff's  sale. 

On  August  13,  1828,  the  corner-stone  was  laid  of  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church  in  Huntingdon,  on  Fourth  Street.  It  was  finished  in  1830, 
and  had  a  seating  capacity  of  two  hundred  and  eighty. 

The  second  church  edifice  was  dedicated  August  13,  1845.  ^^  was  a 
comfortable  house  of  worship,  and  would  seat  about  four  hundred.  It 
now  forms  part  of  Mr.  J.  C.  Blair's  large  manufactory. 

The  third  edifice  erected  by  this  congregation  is  the  fine,  substantial 
building  now  occupied  as  a  house  of  worship.  It  was  dedicated  to  the 
worship  of  God  September  15,  1873.  The  original  cost  was  thirty-two 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  and  previous  to  the  centennial  celebration 
on  July  6,  1889,  extensive  improvements  were  made  amounting  to  over 
ten  thousand  dollars.  A  note  also  of  two  thousand  four  hundred  dollars 
was  cancelled  by  the  liberality  of  Mr.  David  McMurtrie.  The  audience- 
room  will  seat  comfortably  seven  hundred,  and  has  been  made  to  accom- 
modate nearh-  twice  that  number.    It  is  both  commodious  and  beautiful. 

The  chapel  attached  to  the  main  building  is  an  attractive  room,  seat- 
ing about  two  hundred  and  fifty.  It  is  adorned  with  fine  stained-glass 
windows,  the  gift  of  Mr.  William  Dorris.  The  Bible-class  room  was 
tastefully  decorated  with  Scripture  texts  at  large  expense  by  Mr.  John 
G.  Miles. 

A  chapel  has  also  been  erected  during  the  present  pastorate  in  West 
Huntingdon.  The  lot  on  which  it  stands  was  donated  by  Mr.  William 
Dorris,  and  the  building  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  two  thousand  five 
hundred  dollars.  It  will  seat  two  hundred  and  fifty  persons,  and  a  flour- 
ishing Sabbath-school  is  conducted  there  by  members  of  the  church. 

MANSE. 

The  congregation  has  also  a  parsonage  erected  during  the  pastorate 
of  Dr.  McClean.  Having  been  improved  from  time  to  time  at  large 
outlay,  it  is  now  an  attractive  and  comfortable  residence. 


174  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

CONCLUSION. 

The  church  at  the  present  time  has  seven  elders,  three  deacons,  four 
hundred  and  forty  members,  and  four  hundred  and  fifty  on  the  rolls  of 
the  Sabbath-schools.  It  contributed  last  year  eleven  hundred  and  twenty- 
four  dollars  to  the  boards  and  three  thousand  five  hundred  and  eleven 
dollars  for  current  expenses. 

It  has  its  Ladies'  Aid  Society  and  Woman's  Home  and  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary Societies,  its  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  and 
its  Young  People's  Mission  Bands.  The  church  is  well  equipped  for 
the  Master's  service. 

D.  K.  Freeman. 


HYNDMAN. 


This  church  was  organized  June  8,  1893;  enrolled  by  Presbytery 
June  13,  1893;  consisted  of  six  members.  James  A.  Sill  and  William 
C.  Miller,  M.D.,  were  elected  elders ;  the  latter  was  ordained,  the  former 
had  been  ordained ;  both  were  installed.  Committee  to  organize  was 
Drs.  J.  H.  Mathers,  D.  K.  Freeman,  William  H.  Schuyler,  and  Elder  G. 
M.  Brisbin.  The  town  soon  after  suffered  financially.  The  congrega- 
tion has  no  building,  and  but  an  occasional  service. 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


IRVONA. 


This  church  was  organized  October  29,  1885.  The  committee  ap- 
pointed by  Presbytery  to  effect  the  organization  consisted  of  Rev.  J.  H. 
Mathers,  D.D.,  J.  L.  Russel,  William  Gemmill,  and  D.  H.  Barron,  D.D. 
ministers,  and  G.  W.  McCuUy  and  Colonel  E.  A.  Irvin,  elders. 

The  following  persons  united  in  the  organization :  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Charles  B.  McKean,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman  Haupt,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Uavid 
Kline,  Mrs.  William  Bartley,  Miss  Mary  Bartley,  Mrs.  Ella  McKean, 
James  K.  Patterson  and  wife,  Robert  Lossie,  and  Robert  Stephens. 
Charles  B.  McKean  and  Daniel  Kline  were  ordained  elders,  and  Herman 
Haupt,  R.  Stephens,  and  R.  Lossee,  deacons. 

The  new  organization  was  effected,  and  continued  to  hold  services 


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IRVONA.       PASTOR   AND   ELDERS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 75 

for  some  time  in  the  depot  of  the  P.  &  N.  W.  R.  R.,  kindly  granted  for 
the  purpose  by  Superintendent  Ford. 

The  present  church  and  parsonage  occupy  adjoining  lots,  donated  by 
the  Witmer  Land  and  Coal  Co.  The  church  is  seated  for  four  hundred, 
and  in  addition  has  a  lecture-room  seated  for  eighty.  The  church  cost 
four  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  the  parsonage  nineteen  hundred  dol- 
lars. The  church  was  dedicated  November  27,  1890.  The  present 
membership  of  the  church  is  one  hundred  and  five,  of  the  Sabbath- 
school  one  hundred  and  thirty-four,  Christian  Endeavor  fifty-five.  Ladies' 
Aid  Society  thirty-three.  This  was  the  first  church  organization  in 
Irvona. 

MINISTERS. 

Rev.  J.  J.  Wolf,  1887  to  1889. 

Rev.  F.  T.  Wheeler  (educated  at  Washington  and  Jefferson  College,  graduate  of  Princeton 
Seminary),  1889  to  1893. 

Rev.  William  Gibb  (graduate  of  Edinburgh  University,  graduate  and  Clark  scholar  of  U.  P. 
Divinity  College,  Edinburgh,  P.  G.  McCormick  Seminary,  Chicago),  installed  April  24, 1895. 

ELDERS. 

C.  B.  McKean,  D.  Kline,  and  J.  Patterson  (1885). 

J.  C.  McGaughey,  A.  Pollock,  J.  H.  Moss,  and  W.  W.  Helman  (1888). 

H.  D.  Pierce,  James  Haley,  E.  McEwen,  and  W.  B.  McNeal  (1890). 

William  Gibb. 


JUNIATA. 


The  Juniata  Presbyterian  Church,  located  at  the  outskirts  of  Altoona, 
was  organized  by  a  committee  appointed  by  the  Presbytery  of  Hunting- 
don, on  July  22,  1892,  with  a  membership  of  twenty-six.  Holding  their 
services  in  a  hall  belonging  to  Mr.  J.  M.  Hutchison,  one  of  their  mem- 
bers, the  people  were  supplied  with  preaching  by  members  of  Presbytery 
until  Rev.  Emil  Lewy,  the  first  pastor,  assumed  his  pastorate  on  January 
8,  1893.  On  the  lOth  of  that  month  the  installation  of  the  pastor  took 
place ;  Rev.  A.  W.  Spooner,  then  of  the  Second  Church  of  Altoona, 
presiding,  preaching  the  sermon,  and  charging  the  people,  and  Rev.  J.  E. 
Irvine,  of  the  Third  Church  of  Altoona,  charging  the  pastor.  On  the 
following  night  a  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  was 
organized,  and  one  week  later,  January  18,  a  Junior  Christian  Endeavor 
Society,     The  church  was  then  in  a  well-organized  condition;  a  Sabbath- 


176  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

school,  with  Mr.  T.  R.  Browne  as  superintendent,  and  a  Ladies'  Aid  So- 
ciet}',  with  Mrs.  Ella  Brunebaker  as  president,  having  been  in  existence 
from  the  beginning  of  the  organization. 

The  pastor,  seeing  the  need  of  a  house  of  worship,  with  the  help  of 
his  church  officers  secured  a  lot  for  the  purpose,  which  was  donated  by 
Mr.  William  Louden,  of  Juniata.  At  a  congregational  meeting,  the  gift 
of  Mr.  Louden  was  accepted,  and  a  building  committee,  consisting  of  T. 
R.  Browne  as  chairman,  W.  Y.  Anderson,  and  W'.  B.  McNeel,  appointed 
to  proceed  with  the  erecting  of  a  building  at  a  cost  of  about  three  thou- 
sand dollars. 

On  August  20,  1893,  the  corner-stone  of  the  new  building  was  laid 
with  fitting  exercises,  and  on  Thanksgiving-Day  of  that  year  the  first 
services  were  held  in  the  new  house  of  worship.  For  a  description  of 
the  building  and  the  prospective  work  of  the  church,  the  account  in  the 
Presbyterian  Messenger  oi  February  22,  1894,  might  be  quoted.  "The 
house  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  John  Street  and  Seventh  Avenue,  on 
a  lot  fifty  by  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet,  and  is  forty-three  by  forty- 
five  feet.  It  is  intended  as  a  chapel,  and  is  so  constructed  as  to  be  har- 
moniously connected  with  the  final  church  they  expect  to  erect  later, 
and  can  be  veneered  with  stone  when  desired.  The  seating  capacity  is 
three  hundred  and  fifty;  the  first  floor  contains  the  audience-room  and 
two  small  rooms  to  the  right  and  left  of  the  pulpit.  Above  is  a  small 
gallery,  generally  used  for  the  pastor's  Bible  class.  There  is  also  a  neat 
tower  with  a  bell.  The  seating  at  present  is  of  the  ordinary  chapel 
benches  or  settees.  The  inner  wood-work  is  of  pine  finished  in  natural 
colors,  and  presents  a  \ery  neat  and  tasteful  appearance.  The  Ladies' 
Aid  Society  did  not  a  little  towards  the  furnishing  of  the  pulpit  and 
carpets,  etc.,  and  the  Junior  Christian  Endeavor  Society  procured  part 
of  the  pulpit  furniture. 

"The  lot  is  valued  at  eight  hundred  dollars,  the  building  and  furnish- 
ings cost  in  all  about  three  thousand  five  hundred  dollars, ^o  that  the 
whole  cost  is  about  four  thousand  three  hundred  dollars. 

"  The  construction  plan  of  this  chapel  is  unique.  The  audience-room 
is  open  to  the  roof,  there  are  trussess  but  no  cross-ties,  and  the  whole  is 
counterbalanced  so  as  to  make  a  very  strong  and  substantial  building. 
It  is  modelled  after  Westminster  Hall,  London,  England,  and  is,  it  is  be- 
lieved, the  only  one  of  its  kind  in  this  section  of  our  country.  T.  R. 
Browne,  Esq.,  an  elder  of  the  church,  an  architect  of  recognized  ability, 
drew  the  plans  and  superintended  the  erection  of  this  fine  structure. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  I'J'J 

The  Style  is  Gothic,  the  design  cliaste,  and  the  results  pleasing  to  the 
eye,  as  well  as  substantial  and  satisfactory  as  to  its  intended  use. 

"  The  population  of  Juniata  is  about  two  thousand  ;  it  is  a  suburb  of 
Altoona,  and  the  result  of  the  establishment  of  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road shops  at  this  point.  The  growth  has  been  and  continues  to  be 
conservative  and  healthy.  It  is  a  good  place  for  the  new  church,  and, 
as  can  be  seen,  the  work  is  flourishing.  The  Sabbath-school  is  large  for 
the  advancement  of  the  church,  being  now  about  one  hundred  and  forty. 
Much  credit  is  due  to  Rev.  Mr.  Lewy  for  the  success  attending  his  efforts 
in  this  place.  He  is  also  an  active  worker  in  the  Christian  Endeavor 
movement,  and  furnishes  a  column  or  so  to  each  issue  of  the  Keystone 
Herald,  the  State  organ  of  the  association. 

"The  new  church,  or  chapel  rather,  was  dedicated  Sabbath,  February 
25,  1894,  Rev.  H.  G.  Furbay,  of  Tyrone,  preaching  the  dedication  ser- 
mon, and  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers,  D.D.,  of  Bellwood,  and  Altoona  ministers 
assisting.  Owing  to  the  financial  depression,  the  amount  needed  to  wipe 
out  the  debt  was  not  realized,  and  the  church  is  now  making  efforts  to 
raise  a  sufficient  fund  to  reach  an  appropriation  made  by  the  Board  of 
Church  Erection  of  one  thousand  dollars." 

The  present  membership  of  the  church  is  one  hundred  and  five ;  that 
of  the  Sabbath-school  one  hundred  and  fifty. 

The  following  members  constitute  the  present  official  boards : 

Elders,  W.  B.  McNeel,  William  Cline,  C.  E.  Kinch,  S.  B.  Council,  and 
H.  C.  Carrie. 

Deacons,  J.  W.  Lees,  W.  Y.  Anderson,  Isaac  McNeel,  John  Hall, 
Robert  Hutchison,  Charles  A.  Anderson. 

Trustees,  W.  Y.  Anderson,  Blair  N.  Boyles,  Samuel  Haldeman. 

Emil  Lewy. 


KERMOOR. 


T]iE  Kermoor  congregation  was  organized  October  27,  1887,  by  a 
committee  appointed  by  Presbytery,  consisting  of  Rev.  E.  P.  Foresman 
and  Elder  R.  M.  Johnston,  Dr.  R.  A.  McKinley  not  being  able  to  be 
present.  After  stating  the  purpose  of  the  meeting,  the  committee  re- 
ceived eighteen  members  by  certificate,  after  which  John  C.  Ferguson 
and  J.  S.  McCrury  were  elected  ruling  elders,  and  were  duly  installed 
by  the  aforesaid  committee. 


178  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

The  present  number  of  members  is  fifty-three;  value  of  church 
propert)',  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars ;  present  pastor,  Rev.  R.  G. 
Williams,  who  was  called  April  24,  1894. 

The  original  organization  was  made  up  largely  from  former  U.  P. 
members,  both  elders  having  been  elders  in  that  church. 

J.  S.  McCrurv. 


KYLERTOWN. 


The  immediate  preparatory  work  towards  the  organization  of  a 
Presbyterian  church  in  this  town  was  carried  on  by  a  much-loved  sol- 
dier of  the  Cross,  the  Rev.  James  Linn,  pastor  in  Bellefonte  for  fift>'- 
eight  years,  the  memory  of  whose  kindly  deeds,  genial  disposition,  and 
earnest  work  for  the  Master  still  lingers  like  the  fragrance  of  a  wreath 
of  sweet  forget-me-nots. 

The  church  of  Kylertown  was  organized  September  13,  185 1. 
During  the  three  years  from  1852  to  1854  Kylertown  Church  wor- 
shipped at  Morrisdale,  a  small  mining  town  five  miles  from  here. 

In  the  fall  of  1854  six  or  seven  families  joined  together,  and  through 
their  exertions  and  influence  a  small  church  was  built  in  Kylertown. 
Those  taking  the  most  prominent  part,  and  whose  descendants  have 
been  faithful  to  the  church  of  their  fathers,  were  Leonard,  John  B., 
Thomas,  and  Conrad  W.  Kyler,  J.  W.  Irvin,  Jonas  Mons,  John  Rayhorn, 
James  M.  Leonard,  and  George  Hoover.  The  new  church  was  dedi- 
cated December  27,  1854,  with  a  membership  of  about  twent)'.  Dr. 
Gibson  preaching  the  dedication  sermon.  The  minister  who  supplied 
the  pulpit  was  the  Rev.  Cooper,  from  Clearfield,  the  elders  being  John 
\V.  Irvin  and  Conrad  \V.  Kyler. 

Kylertown  and  Clearfield  were  joined  together  for  four  or  five  years. 
Afterwards  Snow  Shoe  and  Kylertown  were  grouped  together.  Rev. 
Collins  supplying  the  pulpit,  with  John  Rayhorn  and  Dr.  Campbell  as 
elders.  Revs.  Clarke  and  Wright  succeeded  Collins.  This  arrangement 
lasted  about  ten  years,  when  Bigler  and  Kylertown  joined  hands,  the 
pastors  being  Revs.  Prideaux,  Sargent,  Kuhn,  Foresman,  and  Chappel, 
with  Jonas  Mons  and  George  Hoover  as  elders. 

Soon  after  Rev.  Chappel  entered  upon  his  duties  here  Winburne 
Church  was  organized  and  joined  with  Kylertown.  This  arrangement 
still  exists,  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  T.  McClatchy,  which  began  in 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  179 

June,  1S93,  the  elders  being  Jackson  Hoover  and  Peter  Mons,  Sr.  The 
present  membership  is  about  sixty.  The  field  now  includes  Kylertown, 
Winburne,  Bigler,  and  Peale.  The  pastor  conducts  three  services  every 
Sunday,  preaching  at  Kylertown,  Winburne,  and  Peale.  Including  the 
outlying  families,  there  are  over  one  hundred  square  miles  of  territory 
to  cover  in  pastoral  work.  As  yet  we  have  no  organization  at  Peale. 
In  all  we  have  flourishing  Sunday-schools  and  young  people's  societies, 
doing  a  good  work. 

Thomas  McClatchy. 


LEWISTOWN. 


The  probability  is  that  the  church  at  Lewistown  is  over  one  hun- 
dred years  old.  Of  the  age  of  organization  and  of  the  original  officers 
and  members,  however,  records  cannot  be  found.  As  early  as  1785, 
Rev.  Matthew  Stephens  supplied  Lewistown  and  Waynesburg,  preaching 
also  at  intermediate  points.  He  probably  continued  in  this  service  until 
1796  or  1797.  In  the  latter  year  he  accepted  a  call  from  the  church  at 
Shaver's  Creek,  and  was  installed.  Mr.  Stephens  was  present  at  the 
organization  and  first  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  in  1795. 

From  the  beginning  of  preaching  services  here  until  1810  the 
people  were  dependent  upon  supplies.  Among  these  several  references 
are  made  to  Rev.  James  Simpson,  who  was  received  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Huntingdon  in  the  year  1800. 

In  1810,  Rev.  William  Kennedy  became  pastor  of  the  churches  at 
Lewistown  and  West  Kishacoquillas,  two-thirds  of  his  time  being 
devoted  to  the  former  and  one-third  to  the  latter.  In  October  of  this 
year  he  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  of  these  churches.  Mr.  Ken- 
nedy seems  to  have  been  the  first  installed  pastor  of  the  Lewistown 
Church.  He  continued  to  serve  it  for  twelve  years.  During  this  pastor- 
ate the  Session  consisted  of  Messrs.  William  McCay,  Anthony  Young, 
Jacob  Walters,  Daniel  Robb,  and  Robert  Robison. 

Until  this  time  the  congregation  had  no  regular  place  of  worship. 
The  old  court-house,  standing  in  the  public  square,  had  been  used  by 
them.  In  April,  1820,  however,  the  lot  on  the  corner  of  Third  and 
Brown  Streets  was  purchased,  and  the  stone  church,  the  "  old  stone 
church,"  as  it  is  familiarly  called,  was  erected.  For  thirty-five  years  this 
was  the  Presbyterian  church  of  Lewistown. 


l8o  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

It  was  in  the  spring  of  1823  that  Rev.  James  S.  Woods  became  iden- 
tified with  this  church.  Mr.  W'oods  was  licensed  by  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Brunswick  in  October,  1818;  received  by  the  Presbytery  of  Hunt- 
ingdon on  the  24th  of  November,  18 19,  and  at  the  same  time  accepted 
a  call  to  Waynesburg  for  one-half  his  time,  being  ordained  and  installed 
there  on  April  5,  1820.  On  April  i,  1823,  he  became  stated  supply  of 
the  Lewistown  Church  for  one-half  his  time,  serving  as  such  until  April 
7,  1824,  when  a  call  for  one-half  his  time  was  placed  in  his  hands.  On 
April  28,  1824,  he  was  duly  installed  as  pastor.  For  about  thirteen  years 
he  served  these  two  churches.  In  the  mean  time  the  church  at  Lewis- 
town  had  developed  sufficient  strength  to  call  Mr.  Woods  for  his  whole 
time.  Consequently  he  was  released  from  Waynesburg,  which  had  also 
extended  him  a  call  for  his  whole  time,  to  become  pastor  at  Lewistown 
alone  on  the  5th  of  April,  1837.  His  pastorate  here  continued  until  the 
29th  of  June,  1862,  the  date  of  his  death. 

During  this  pastorate,  e.Ktending  as  it  did  over  a  period  of  thirty-nine 
years  and  three  months,  Hon.  Ephraim  Banks,  Dr.  Samuel  McClay, 
Messrs.  William  Shaw,  John  Snyder,  James  Parker,  Hugh  McFadden, 
Samuel  Barr,  Joseph  Strode,  James  Stewart,  and  probably  some  others, 
were  elected  elders ;  also  most  of  the  members  of  the  present  Session. 

The  old  stone  church  no  longer  meeting  the  needs  of  the  growing 
congregation,  steps  were  taken  for  the  erection  of  a  new  edifice  in  1854- 
55  to  occupy  the  old  site.  This  work  was  completed  and  the  church  for- 
mally dedicated  on  June  12,  1856.  It  was  a  substantial  brick  structure, 
with  audience-room  accommodating  about  six  hundred,  and  large  and 
well-lighted  basement.  The  construction  was  by  Mr.  H.  R.  Noll,  of 
Lewisburg,  Pennsylvania,  and  the  cost  ten  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
twenty-seven  dollars.     The  church  was  dedicated  free  from  debt. 

This  pastorate  covered  a  period  of  general  prosperity.  The  closing 
year  showed  a  church  with  excellent  property,  with  a  membership  of 
two  hundred  and  sixty-eight,  contributing  fifteen  hundred  dollars  for 
the  Lord's  work  at  home  and  abroad,  and  a  Sabbath-school  with  two 
hundred  and  fifty  members.  A  verj'  remarkable  revival,  by  which  the 
church  was  greatly  strengthened,  occurred  in  the  winter  of  1842-43. 

The  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was  conferred  upon  this  faithful 
pastor  and  able  preacher  in  the  year  1850  by  Princeton  College.  He 
was  held  in  highest  respect  and  honor  by  all.  Large  congregations  at- 
tended his  ministry,  and  his  funeral  is  reported  as  being  the  largest  ever 
held  in  this  county.     His  influence  is  still  felt  in  this  church. 


LbWISTOVVN. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  l8l 

The  work  thus  laid  down  by  Dr.  Woods  was  taken  up  a  few  weeks 
later  by  Rev.  01i\er  O.  McClean.  He  was  formally  received  by  the 
Presbytery  on  October  7,  1862,  and  soon  afterwards  installed  as  pastor. 
In  June,  1869,  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was  conferred  upon 
him  by  Pennsylvania  College,  Gettysburg.  This  was  another  of  those 
long,  prosperous  and  influential  pastorates,  rounding  out  a  term  of 
twenty-two  years. 

Several  remarkable  revivals  occurred  during  Dr.  McClean's  ministry 
here,  and  large  numbers  were  gathered  into  the  church.  That  attended 
with  the  most  powerful  manifestation  of  the  Spirit's  presence  was  in 
1875. 

There  was  also  a  steady  increase  in  the  benevolent  and  congrega- 
tional offerings  during  this  period.  Three  thousand  one  hundred  and 
eighty-eight  dollars  is  the  sum  reported  for  the  work  at  home  and 
abroad  for  the  year  1884,  the  last  year  of  Dr.  McClean's  pastorate, 
against  fifteen  hundred  dollars  twenty-two  years  before. 

A  large  and  excellent  pipe  organ  was  put  into  the  church,  the  present 
parsonage  and  lot  were  purchased,  and  some  improvements  made  to 
the  church  building  under  him. 

Dr.  McClean  resigned  on  the  7th  of  October,  1884,  and  has  since 
lived  quietly  with  his  daughters  among  the  people  he  served  so  long 
and  well,  beloved  by  all. 

After  a  vacancy  of  one  year,  Rev.  John  Gourley,  now  of  Lancaster, 
Ohio,  became  pastor  of  the  church,  remaining  as  such  for  six  years  and 
eight  months.  He  was  formally  received  by  Huntingdon  Presbytery  on 
October  7,  1885,  and  installed  October  14;  his  resignation  took  effect  June 
I,  1892.  There  was  a  good  degree  of  prosperity  during  this  time.  The  • 
accessions  to  the  membership  of  the  church  were  constant  and  many, 
while  the  benevolent  and  congregational  offerings  rose  above  the  mark 
of  former  years,  reaching  three  thousand  four  hundred  and  twenty-seven 
dollars  for  the  year  ending  March  31,  1S92.  Improvements  were  made 
in  the  lecture  and  Sabbath-school  rooms  during  this  pastorate.  The 
people  still  give  testimony  to  Mr.  Gourley's  fidelity  to  the  truth  and  to  his 
service  of  sympathy  to  the  afflicted. 

The  fifth  ordained  pastor  of  the  Lewistown  Church  is  Rev.  William 
Harrison  Decker.  Mr.  Decker  was  licensed  by  the  Presbytery  of  New- 
ton, April  14,  1887,  and  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Albany,  June  20, 
1888.  Graduating  from  Princeton  Theological  Seminary  in  May,  1888, 
he  was  called  to  the  Madison  Avenue  Presbj'terian  Church  of  Albany, 


1 82  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

New  York,  which  he  served  until  the  last  of  April,  1893.  The  Lewis- 
town  call  was  made  on  the  8th  of  March,  1893;  his  reception  by  the 
Presbyterj'  of  Huntingdon  in  June,  and  his  installation  June  21  of  the 
same  year. 

The  audience-  and  lecture-rooms  of  the  church  were  thoroughly 
renovated  during  the  fall  and  winter  of  1893-94.  These  improvements 
consisted  of  frescoed  walls  and  ceilings  in  both  rooms ;  the  removal  of 
the  organ  to  the  recess  behind  the  pulpit ;  organ  and  pulpit  platforms 
and  furniture  in  oak ;  oak  pews,  arranged  in  semicircular  form ;  cushions 
and  drapery ;  together  with  electric  light  and  steam-heating  plant.  The 
cost  of  the  whole  was  about  six  thousand  dollars. 

The  present  Session  of  the  church  consists  of  D.  W.  Woods,  Esq., 
Mr.  W.  R.  Graham,  General  T.  F.  McCoy,  and  Major  R.  W.  Patton. 
All,  with  the  exception  of  the  last-named  elder,  were  elected  and  or- 
dained under  Rev.  James  S.  Woods,  D.D.  Mr.  F.  G.  Franciscus,  an 
elder  for  twent\'-four  years,  died  on  June  7,  1895. 

The  annual  average  of  the  benevolent  and  congregational  offerings  of 
the  church  during  the  last  three  years  is  as  follows :  home  missions,  six 
hundred  and  fiftj'-five  dollars;  foreign  missions,  five  hundred  and  eighty- 
seven  dollars ;  other  church  boards  and  miscellaneous  purposes,  five  hun- 
dred and  twenty-one  dollars ;  congregational,  four  thousand  and  forty 
dollars.     The  present  membership  is  three  hundred  and  seventy-six. 

A  Sabbath-school  was  organized  in  the  early  history  of  this  church. 
Hon.  Ephraim  Banks  was  among  the  first,  if  not  the  first  superintendent. 
He  was  followed  by  John  H.  Hickok,  in  1831  or  1832,  who  continued  in 
ofifice  for  a  year  or  two.  Then  the  Hon.  Ephraim  Banks  was  re-elected, 
and  served  several  years,  being  succeeded  by  Mr.  William  Russell.  In 
1855,  D.  W.  Woods,  Esq.,  was  elected  to  this  position,  and  has  continued 
to  the  present  time.  In  the  mean  time  he  has  given  away  over  three  hun- 
dred handsome  Bibles  to  scholars  for  reciting  the  Shorter  Catechism. 

The  church  has  a  flourishing  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian 
Endeavor,  a  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  a  Woman's  Home 
Missionar)'  Society,  and  a  Young  Ladies'  Missionary  Society. 

William  Harrison  Decker. 


LICK   RUN. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 83 

LICK    RUN. 

In  the  year  1796  a  small  number  of  pioneers  of  Scotch  and  Irish 
descent,  from  Cumberland  Vallev,  havinar  settled  in  Bald  Eaele  and 
Nittany  Valleys,  made  application  to  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  to 
establish  a  church  within  their  bounds. 

Rev.  Isaac  Greer  and  Rev.  James  Johnston,  of  Huntingdon  Presby- 
tery, were  appointed  a  committee  for  the  purpose. 

A  congregation  was  regularly  organized  by  said  committee  in  the 
month  of  October,  1798.  At  the  same  time  a  Session  was  also  elected 
and  ordained,  consisting  of  William  Swansey,  Thomas  Wilson,  David 
Lamb,  John  Mitchell,  and  James  McCIure. 

The  sacraments  of  baptism  and  Lord's  Supper  were  also  regularly 
administered  near  the  same  place  where  the  church  now  stands.  The 
e.xact  number  of  communicants  is  not  known,  but  has  been  estimated  at 
twenty  or  thirty,  from  the  fact  of  their  having  elected  so  many  members 
of  Session. 

This  congregation  was  without  a  pastor  from  October,  1798,  until  the 
spring  of  1803.  In  the  mean  time  supplies  were  sent  by  Presbytery 
and  baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper  occasionally  administered. 

It  is  probable  that  the  present  house  of  worship  was  erected  in  1803, 
as  the  deed  for  the  church  lot  is  dated  August  i,  1802. 

Early  in  the  year  1S03  a  call  from  the  united  congregations  of  Belle- 
fonte  and  Lick  Run  was  extended  to  Rev.  Henry  R.  Wilson,  which  was 
accepted.  Rev.  Wilson  ministered  unto  the  people  until  October,  1809, 
when  the  pastoral  relation  between  him  and  the  churches  was  dissolved, 
and  calls  were  presented  for  the  service  of  Rev.  James  Linn.  These 
calls  were  accepted,  and  Rev.  Linn  was  ordained  and  installed  in  Belle- 
fonte  and  Lick  Run  congregations  in  April,  1810.  The  relation  thus 
formed  continued  in  the  most  uninterrupted  harmony  until  1839.  when 
it  was  dissolved  so  far  as  related  to  Lick  Run,  Rev.  Linn  deeming  it  his 
duty  to  appropriate  all  his  time  to  Bellefonte  congregation.  The  list  of 
communicants  for  the  year  1839,  when  Rev.  Linn's  labors  ceased,  was 
two  hundred  and  forty- one. 

A  call  was  presented  to  Rev.  Samuel  Cooper  and  accepted,  and  Rev. 
Cooper  was  ordained  and  installed  in  October,  1840. 

In  the  spring  of  1S52,  Rev.  Cooper  severed  his  pastoral  relation  with 
Lick  Run.  During  his  ministerial  relation  the  church  at  Lick  Run  wit- 
nessed her  most  prosperous  days. 


184  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

At  the  same  meeting  of  Presbytery  that  terminated  the  connection 
of  Rev.  Cooper  with  Lick  Run  a  call  was  presented  for  the  pastoral 
labors  of  Rev.  William  I.  Gibson,  which  was  finally  accepted,  and  Rev. 
Gibson  was  regularly  installed  pastor  in  August,  1852.  In  the  year 
1863  he  gave  notice  of  his  desire  to  resign  the  charge  of  Lick  Run 
Church  with  a  view  to  accept  a  chaplaincy  in  the  army.  The  congre- 
gation having  given  their  consent,  the  pastoral  relation  was  dissolved. 

In  No\'ember  Rev.  J.  A.  Patterson,  who  had  been  ordained  as  an 
evangelist  in  view  of  going  on  a  foreign  mission,  accepted  a  call  from  the 
congregation  of  Lick  Run,  was  installed  in  due  time,  and  remained 
pastor  thereof  until  December  31,  1864,  when  he  departed  this  life. 

In  November,  1865,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  John  P.  Hudson,  of 
Northumberland  Presbytery;  he  accepted  the  call  and  was  installed. 
In  April,  1 870,  the  pastoral  relation  between  Rev.  Hudson  and  Lick 
Run  congregation  was  dissolved. 

The  church  was  without  a  pastor  for  a  period  of  three  years,  when  a 
call  was  extended  to  Rev.  U.  W.  Condit  in  1873,  which  was  accepted 
and  Rev.  Condit  was  installed.  There  is  no  record  of  Rev.  Condit's 
services  after  1874. 

The  writer  is  unable  to  gather  any  history  of  the  period  from  1874 
to  1876.  A  call  was  extended  to  and  accepted  by  Rev.  McNinch,  who 
was  installed  in  1876.  Rev.  McNinch's  pastoral  relation  with  Lick  Run 
Church  was  dissolved. 

In  January,  1880,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  S.  S.  Wallen,  which 
was  accepted,  and  Re^  Wallen  was  installed.  He  remained  with  Lick 
Run  congregation  as  its  pastor  until  October,  1882. 

From  1882  to  1884  Lick  Run  congregation  was  supplied  by  Hunt- 
ingdon Presbytery. 

In  1884  a  call  from  the  united  congregations  of  Hublersburg,  Miles- 
burg,  and  Lick  Run  was  e.xtended  to  Rev.  W.  O.  Wrigiit.  These  calls 
were  accepted,  and  Rev.  Wright  was  installed.  In  1890,  Rev.  Wright's 
pastoral  relation  with  Lick  Run  and  Hublersburg  was  dissolved. 

Since  1890  Hublersburg  and  Lick  Run  have  been  supplied  by 
Huntingdon  Presbytery  until  the  present  year,  when  Hublersburg  dis- 
solved, and  now  Lick  Run  stands  alone  and  is  supplied  by  Huntingdon 
Presbytery. 

jAMiis  Irvine. 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY   OF  HUNTINGDON.  185 

LITTLK   VALLEY. 

To  write  an  accurate  and  satisfactory  history  of  Little  Valley  Pres- 
byterian Church  at  the  present  day  is  no  easy  task.  First,  because  most 
of  the  older  members,  from  whom  reliable  information  might  have  been 
obtained,  have  left  this  sphere  of  action  and  gone  up  to  the  General 
Assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born,  whose  names  are  written  in 
heaven.  And,  secondly,  because  the  original  records  of  the  Session  are 
not  now  accessible,  they  having  been  either  lost  or  destroyed  during  the 
mental  disability  of  one  of  its  clerks,  who,  though  a  very  good  and 
excellent  man,  yet  lost  the  use  of  his  reason  and  died  by  his  own  hand, 
thus  leaving  us  without  any  official  historical  record  for  a  period  of 
nearly  sixty  years. 

The  original  name  of  the  church  was  Dry  Valley,  but  this  was  sub- 
sequently changed  to  that  of  Little  Valley,  in  order  to  correspond  more 
nearly  to  the  place  of  its  location.  Dry  Valley  and  Little  Valley  are 
separated  by  a  ridge  or  elevation  of  land  running  east  and  west  between 
them;  and  though  the  membership  of  the  church  and  congregation  are 
residents  of  both  these  valleys,  yet,  as  the  church  property  is  located  in 
the  latter,  so  it  was  thought  best  that  the  church  should  be  called  by  the 
name  of  Little  Valley  Presbyterian  Church. 

It  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  oldest  churches  in  the  Presbytery  of 
Huntingdon,  and  very  likely  one  of  the  original  churches  within  its 
bounds  at  the  time  of  the  Presbytery's  organization,  in  April  of  1795. 
We  have  sought  in  vain  for  the  date  of  its  organization  and  for  the 
names  of  the  persons  concerned  in  effecting  it.  But  as  in  the  old  minute- 
book  of  the  Presbytery  it  is  referred  to  as  early  as  1801  as  being  a  part 
of  the  charge  of  the  Rev.  James  Johnston,  who  so  long  and  ably  acted 
as  pastor  of  East  Kishacoquillas  and  Dry  Valley  (now  Little  Valley),  so 
we  may  safely  conclude  that  its  existence  dates  back  to  the  .seventeenth 
century,  and  that  it  was  one  of  the  original  churches  of  the  Presbytery 
when  the  latter  was  organized. 

At  all  events,  it  is  evident  that  Mr.  Johnston  continued  to  act  as 
pastor  of  these  two  churches  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  on  the  3d  of 
January,  1820.  Dr.  Gibson,  in  his  "  HLstory  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery." 
says  that  "  he" — i.e.,  Mr.  Johnston — "  was  licensed  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Donegal  October  1 1,  1783,  and  ordained  by  the  same  Presbytery  August 
19,  1784,  and  installed  pastor  of  Ea.st  Kishacoquillas  congregation. 
West  Kishacoquillas  was  comprehended  in  his  charge,  though  it  does 


1 86  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

not  appear  that  he  was  installed  over  the  latter  as  a  separate  congre- 
gation. However,  he  was  released  from  the  charge  of  the  West  end 
by  the  Presbytery  of  Huntington  October  5,  1796,  but  remained 
pastor  of  the  East  church,  /;/  connection  with  Little  Valley,  till  the  time 
of  his  death."  It  thus  appears  that  he  was  this  church's  first  pastor. 
He  was  an  able  and  scriptural  preacher,  a  faithful  and  sympathetic  pas- 
tor, and  a  man  greatly  esteemed  by  the  people  of  both  parts  of  his 
charge  for  his  many  virtues  and  for  the  important  work  which  he  ac- 
complished during  liis  ministerial  life.  His  memory  is  still  precious  in 
the  community  where  he  lived  and  labored  so  acceptably  and  so  faith- 
fully. His  remains  lie  buried  in  the  old  Kishacoquillas  Cemeter}'',  near 
Reedsville,  Pennsylvania,  awaiting  "the  resurrection  of  the  just." 

After  Mr.  Johnston's  death  the  congregations,  which  he  had  served 
for  a  period  of  about  thirt)--.';i.\:  years,  appeared  before  Presbytery,  by 
their  commissioners,  on  October  4,  1820,  and  asked  that  IMr.  Samuel 
Hill,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbyterj'  of  Ronte,  in  Ireland,  might  be  ap- 
pointed to  supply  them  for  a  period  of  one  year.  Their  request  was 
complied  with,  and  Mr.  Hill  became  their  stated  supply.  The  next  year, 
the  congregations,  being  well  satisfied  with  the  ministrations  of  Mr.  Hill, 
made  out  formal  calls  for  him,  which  being  found  in  order  by  Presbytery, 
and  placed  in  his  hands,  were  accepted  by  him.  And  on  the  3d  day  of 
October,  1821,  he  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  of  East  Kishaco- 
quillas for  two-thirds  of  his  time  at  a  salary  of  four  hundred  dollars  a 
year,  and  of  Little  Valley  for  one-third  of  his  time  at  a  salary  of  two 
hundred  dollars  a  year.  After  continuing  to  be  pastor  of  these  two  con- 
gregations for  a  little  over  four  years,  Mr.  Hill  applied  to  Presbytery  for 
permission  to  resign  his  pastoral  charge.  The  congregations  yielded  a 
reluctant  consent,  for  his  ministry  among  them  had  been  marked  by 
great  success,  and  many  additions  were  made  to  the  church  during  his 
incumbency.  But.  nevertheless,  the  Presbytery  acceded  to  his  request, 
the  pastoral  relation  was  dissolved  February  6,  1825,  and  he  was  dis- 
missed to  the  Presbytery  of  Monongahela,  with  a  view  of  accepting  a 
call  to  the  First  Associate  Reformed  Congregation  of  Pittsburg.  But 
though  he  united  with  the  Presbytery  of  Monongahela  and  removed 
with  his  family  to  Pittsburg,  he  refused  to  be  installed  over  the  congre- 
gation which  had  called  him.  The  reasons  for  this  refusal  are  not  cer- 
tainly known.  But  it  is  generally  supposed  that  they  grew  out  of  the 
fact  that  he  was  a  strong  advocate  for  temperance.  Some  of  the  people 
of  the  new  charge,  and  even  members  of  the  church,  were  engaged  in 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 87 

the  liquor  traffic  in  its  most  objectionable  forms.  And  being  unable  to 
hold  his  peace  relative  to  this  iniquity,  and  foreseeing  the  storm  that  his 
interference  would  occasion,  he  thought  it  would  be  best  for  him  to  retire. 
And  so  he  "  shook  off  the  dust  of  his  feet,  as  a  testimony  against  them," 
and  returned  to  the  bounds  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery.  Here  he  con- 
tinued to  live  and  labor  either  as  pastor  or  stated  supply  of  various  con- 
gregations till  age  and  infirmity  bade  him  cease.  And  he,  at  length,  died 
at  the  home  of  his  youngest  son,  in  HoUidaysburg,  Pennsylvania,  on  the 
14th  of  March,  1872,  in  the  eighty-first  year  of  his  age.  He  was  a 
sound  theologian,  an  able  and  instructive  preacher,  a  devoted  pastor,  and 
the  instrument  of  winning  many  souls  to  Christ. 

After  the  retirement  of  Mr.  Hill  the  congregations  of  East  and  West 
Kishacoquillas  and  Little  Valley  were  supplied  for  some  time  by  Mr. 
James  H.  Stuart,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia.  He 
received  calls  from  each  of  these  congregations, — from  East  Kishaco- 
quillas for  two-thirds  of  his  time,  and  from  each  of  the  others  for  one- 
third  of  his  time.  After  some  deliberation  he  accepted  those  from  East 
and  West  Kishacoquillas,  and  was  installed  as  their  pastor  on  the  26th 
of  October,  1827.  He  only  labored  among  them  but  a  short  time,  for 
his  health  gave  way,  and  he  died  February  27,  1829,  and  was  buried  in 
the  cemetery  of  the  East  Kishacoquillas  Church. 

At  the  fall  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  1830  calls  were  presented 
for  the  services  of  the  Rev.  William  Annan,  a  member  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Baltimore,  from  the  united  congregations  of  West  Kishacoquillas  and 
Little  Valley.  Mr.  Annan  had  previously  labored  for  some  time  among 
the  people  of  this  charge,  but,  not  having  obtained  his  dismission  from 
the  Baltimore  Presbytery,  they  could  not  be  put  into  his  hands.  At  a 
subsequent  meeting,  however,  he,  having  received  his  certificate  of  dis- 
mission from  his  Presbytery,  presented  it,  and  was  accordingly  received 
into  this  Presbytery  and  installed  as  pastor  of  the  above-named  congre- 
gations. Here  he  wrought  with  great  success  for  several  years.  But 
finding  the  distance  between  the  churches  too  great,  and  West  Kishaco- 
quillas being  willing  to  try  to  keep  a  minister  themselves,  he  withdrew 
from  there  and  confined  his  labors  entirely  to  Little  Valley.  This  was 
perhaps  the  period  of  the  church's  greatest  prosperity.  Many  accessions 
were  made,  and  the  membership  rose  to  over  two  hundred.  The  whole 
Valley  was  settled  mainly  by  Presbyterians,  and  members  or  adherents 
of  that  church  owned  the  farms,  and  cultivated  the  lands,  and  carried  on 
the  various  branches  of  business.     Mr.  Annan  was  a  great  advocate  of 


1 88  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

temperance,  and  by  his  public  teaching  and  his  private  conversation  he 
trained  the  people  to  that  virtue,  induced  them  to  put  the  bottle  out  of 
the  hay-field  and  out  of  their  homes,  and  to  abstain  entirely  from  the  use 
of  all  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage.  And  the  good  effects  of  this 
teaching  are  seen  at  the  present  day,  for  there  are  few  communities  vviiere 
temperance  principles  are  so  much  in  the  ascendant  as  in  Little  and  Dry 
Valleys. 

At  the  fall  meeting  of  Presbytery  of  1835  Mr.  Annan  resigned  his 
charge,  and  was  dismissed  to  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone.  He  was  a 
tall  and  stately-looking  man,  sound  in  the  faith,  and  earnest  and  zealous 
in  his  Master's  work.  He  became  editor  of  the  Presbyterian  Advocate, 
the  predecessor  of  the  Presbyterian  Banner,  at  Pittsburg,  and  wrote  a 
very  able  book  entitled  "  The  Difficulties  of  Arminian  Methodism." 

The  church  was  supplied  for  a  time  by  ministers  appointed  by  Pres- 
bytery, until  on  April  4,  1837,  calls  were  presented  for  the  pastoral  ser- 
vices of  Mr.  Moses  Floyd,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia, 
from  the  congregations  of  West  Kishacoquillas  and  Little  Valley.  These 
were  accepted  by  him,  and  at  an  adjourned  meeting  of  Presbytery,  held 
at  Little  Valley  in  the  month  of  June  following,  he  was  ordained  and 
installed. 

Mr.  Floyd  continued  to  labor  earnestly  and  faithfully  for  the  welfare 
of  his  flock  until,  in  the  year  1842,  he  resigned  his  charge  at  Little 
Valley,  and  confined  himself  to  West  Kishacoquillas,  the  other  part  of 
his  field.  He  labored  there  for  several  years  longer,  and  then  retired  to 
his  farm,  near  Bellville,  Pennsylvania,  supplying  vacant  churches  as  op- 
portunity presented,  and,  at  length,  removed  to  the  home  of  his  married 
son  in  Pittsburg,  where  he  died. 

In  1843  Mr.  Daniel  Lawrence  Hughes,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery 
of  West  Jersey,  was  called  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  Little  Valley  con- 
gregation. And  on  the  gth  day  of  January,  1844,  Presbytery  held  an 
adjourned  meeting  at  Little  Valley  Church,  and  ordained  and  installed 
Mr.  Hugiies  as  its  pastor.  He  wrought  here  with  good  success,  teach- 
ing also  a  classical  school  in  Lewistown  part  of  the  time,  until,  at  an 
adjourned  meeting  of  Presbytery  held  at  Spruce  Creek,  June  13,  1848, 
the  pastoral  relation  between  him  and  Little  Valley  Church  was  dissolved, 
and  he  was  called  to  and  installed  as  pastor  over  the  congregations  of 
Spruce  Creek  and  Pine  Grove.  In  1853  a  call  was  presented  to  Mr. 
Hughes  from  Altoona  First  Church  for  two-thirds  of  his  time,  which 
he  declined.     At  the  fall  meeting  of  Presbytery,  this  year,  he  was  re- 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 89 

leased  from  his  pastoral  relation  to  Pine  Grove,  and  was  called  to,  and 
installed  pastor  of,  Sinking  Valley  for  half  his  time,  the  other  half  being 
still  devoted  to  Spruce  Creek  First  Church.  At  length,  actuated  by  an 
ardent  desire  to  do  missionary  work  in  the  far  West,  Mr.  Hughes  resigned 
as  pastor  of  these  churches  and  removed  to  the  State  of  Iowa,  where 
for  twenty-five  years  he  wrought  ably,  faithfully,  and  successfully  in 
founding  new  churches,  strengthening  weak  ones,  and  extending  the 
Master's  cause  generally.  Some  years  ago  he  returned,  and  united  with 
this  Presbytery,  and  supplied  the  churches  of  Petersburg  and  Shaver's 
Creek.  But  through  impaired  health  he  had  to  close  his  labors,  and  is 
now  living  among  his  old  friends  and  neighbors  in  otium  ciun  diguitate, 
at  Cape  May,  New  Jersey.  He  has  been  a  sound,  able,  self-denying,  and 
successful  minister  of  the  gospel. 

In  April,  1849,  the  Rev.  James  Smith  succeeded  Mr.  Hughes  as 
pastor  of  Little  Valley  Church.  He  did  not,  however,  remain  long,  but 
after  several  years  of  earnest  and  faithful  labor  he  resigned,  and  subse- 
quently became  pastor  of  the  Church  of  Mount  Joy,  in  Donegal — now 
Westminster — Presbytery.  From  thence  he  removed  to  Hollidaysburg, 
Pennsylvania,  where  he  died  in  1874  of  spinal  disease,  with  which  he 
had  long  been  afflicted.  He  was  a  most  excellent  and  amiable  man,  and 
held  in  high  esteem  by  all  who  had  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaint- 
ance. 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  of  Presbytery  held  at  Little  Valley,  No- 
vember 13,  185s,  a  call  was  put  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Thomas  P.  Spears 
from  the  congregation  of  Little  Valley,  and  accepted  by  him,  and  he  was 
accordingly  ordained  and  installed  as  pastor  of  that  church.  He  con- 
tinued to  serve  in  this  capacity  till  April  13,  1858,  when  the  pastoral  re- 
lation was  dissolved,  and  at  the  stated  meeting  of  Presbytery,  in  the  fall 
of  the  same  year,  he  was  dismissed  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Lisbon,  in 
Ohio.  It  is  believed  he  still  resides  in  that  State,  though  whether  en- 
gaged in  the  active  work  of  the  ministry  is  to  us  not  known. 

About  this  time  two  ministers — viz.,  the  Rev.  Samuel  M.  Cooper 
and  the  Rev.  James  Williamson — served  the  congregation  as  stated 
supplies  for  a  time,  when,  at  an  adjourned  meeting  of  Presbytery,  held 
at  Tyrone  in  June,  i860,  the  Rev.  John  B.  Strain  was  called  and  settled 
as  pastor  of  Little  Valley.  Mr.  Strain,  it  appears,  was  an  original  Aboli- 
tionist, and  as  the  war  between  the  North  and  the  South  was  raging  about 
this  time,  and  as  Mr.  Strain  was  not  very  prudent  in  the  expression  of  his 
views,  the  congregation  was  much  disturbed  and  distracted  thereby,  and 


I  go  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

the  Presbytery  had  to  be  appealed  to  several  times  to  interfere,  with  a 
view  to  quell  the  disturbances.  At  length,  on  the  2ist  of  January,  1863, 
the  pastoral  relation  was  dissolved,  and  Mr.  Strain  soon  after  removed 
to  the  State  of  Ohio. 

On  October  21,  1864,  the  Rev.  William  Prideaux  was  received  as  a 
member  of  Presbytery  from  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle.  A  call  was 
placed  in  his  hands  from  the  Little  Valley  Church  and  accepted  by  him, 
and  on  the  17th  of  November  following  he  was  duly  installed  as  pastor. 
He  continued  to  serve  as  such  until  the  spring  of  1867,  when  the  pastoral 
relation  was  dissolved,  and  Mr.  Prideaux  has  continued  to  do  missionary 
work  in  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  every  since.  He  has  "  endured 
hardness  as  a  good  soldier  of  the  cross"  for  many  years.  He  resides  at 
Huntingdon,  Pennsylvania,  and  though  in  the  eighty-third  year  of  his  age 
continues  to  preach,  and  supply  vacant  churches,  as  occasion  may  require. 

In  June,  1868,  the  Rev.  John  P.  Clarke,  of  the  Presbyterj-  of  New 
Castle,  was  received  into  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  and  became 
pastor  of  the  church  of  Little  Valley,  having  been  called  by  the  con- 
gregation on  January  19,  1868,  and  duly  installed  by  a  committee  of 
Presbytery.  He  served  efficiently  and  acceptably  till  October  8,  1873, 
when  at  his  request  the  pastoral  relation  was  dissolved,  and  he  was  dis- 
missed to  accept  a  call  to  the  church  of  Danville,  in  the  Presbytery  of 
Newton,  New  Jersey. 

The  Rev.  W.  C.  Kuhn  was  next  called  to  the  pastorate,  April  15, 
1874,  but  he  declined  the  call  June  9.  1874. 

The  church  now  extended  a  call  to  the  Rev.  John  jMcKean,  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  October  7,  1874,  which  he  accepted,  and  was 
duly  installed.  He  served  the  congregation  as  pastor  until  some  time  in 
1877,  when  the  pastoral  relation  was  dissolved.  He  supplied  several 
vacant  churches  in  the  bounds  of  the  Presbjterj-  until,  on  April  14,  1886, 
he  was  dismissed  and  removed  to  Kansas,  where,  as  far  as  known,  he 
still  lives,  but  not  in  the  active  work  of  the  ministry. 

The  Rev.  George  Chapelle  was  received  into  the  Presbytery  from 
some  Baptist  organization  on  October  2,  1878,  and  appointed  stated 
supply  of  Little  Valley  Church  October  9,  1879.  ^^  continued  to  ser\'e 
the  church  in  this  capacity  until  the  spring  of  188S,  when,  by  authority 
of  Presbytery,  the  churches  of  Little  Valley  and  Milroy  were  united  into 
one  pastoral  charge,  each  to  receive  preaching  one-half  of  the  time. 
To  this  arrangement  both  churches  assented.  Mr.  Chapelle  was  trans- 
ferred to  Kylertown,  in  Clearfield  County,  where  he  still  resides,  though, 


OF   THE   PRESS  YTER  V  OF  HUNTINGDON.  IQI 

on  account  of  age  and  infirmit}-,  not  in  the  active  work  of  the  ministry. 
The  Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace,  who  had  served  the  church  of  Milroy  for  a 
number  of  years  as  stated  supph-,  was,  by  authority  of  Presbytery  and 
the  cordial  assent  of  both  congregations,  appointed  the  stated  supply  of 
the  recently  united  churches.  Mr.  Wallace  labored  faithfully  and  suc- 
cessfully in  this  field  until,  in  the  fall  of  1894,  a  part  of  the  congregation 
of  Milroy,  notwithstanding  their  agreement  and  the  arrangement  made 
by  Presbytery,  contended  that  the  minister  should  live  among  them  all 
the  time.  The  unreasonableness  of  this  is  apparent  from  the  fact  that 
Little  Valley  could  set  up  precisely  the  same  claim,  and  with  a  great 
deal  more  force,  seeing  that  it  is  the  older  and  numerically  the  stronger 
church  of  the  two.  The  result  was  that  Little  Valley  declined  to  be  a 
party  to  any  such  move,  and  petitioned  Presbytery  to  let  them  have  Dr. 
Wallace  as  their  minister  all  the  time,  promising  to  give  him  the  best 
support  they  possibly  could.  This  request  was  acceded  to,  and  he  is, 
accordingly,  now  (1895)  serving  as  their  pastor. 

CHURCH    BUILDING. 

The  original  house  of  worship  was  a  log  structure,  which  was  erected 
on  the  site  of  the  present  edifice.  The  lot  on  which  it  stood,  consisting 
of  three-quarters  of  an  acre,  was  given  by  Moses  Kelly,  after  whom  the 
village  was  commonly  called,  and  subsequently  deeded  to  Francis  Boggs, 
Samuel  Alexander,  and  James  Nixon,  trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  con- 
gregation. At  what  time  the  original  building  was  put  up  or  how  long 
it  was  used  as  a  place  of  worship  cannot  now  be  determined.  But  in 
process  of  time  it  was  moved  across  the  public  road,  and  now  consti- 
tutes the  west  end  of  Mrs.  Thompson  Bell's  residence.  The  present 
frame  structure  was  erected  in  its  place,  and  was  at  first  entered  by  two 
door-ways  on  the  north  side,  the  pulpit  being  on  the  south  side,  rising 
high  up  towards  the  ceiling.  The  congregation  sat  in  high-back  pews 
and  looked  up  at  an  angle  of  about  forty-five  degrees  towards  the  min- 
ister, while  the  clerk  or  precentor  sat  in  front  of  the  pulpit  and  led  the 
singing,  which  was  largely  congregational.  The  building  was  subse- 
quently remodelled,  the  two  doors  on  the  north  side  closed,  a  single 
entrance  with  a  vestibule  made  at  the  east  end,  and  the  pulpit  placed  in 
the  west,  as  at  present.  Here  the  gospel  has  been  faithfully  preached 
for  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  century,  and  this  house  of  God  has  been 
the  scene  of  many  precious  revivals  of  religion,  and  has  often  been  made 
"  the  Gate  of  Heaven"  to  the  souls  of  God's  waiting  people. 


192  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSAKY 

RULING    ELDERS. 

The  ruling  elders  in  Little  Valley  Church,  so  far  as  we  can  trace  them, 
have  been  as  follows, — viz. :  Francis  Boggs,  Jacob  Hoover,  Henry  Long, 
Thomas  Cunningham,  Samuel  Alexander,  William  H.  Huey,  Samuel  Sig- 
ler,  James  H.  Alexander,  Thomas  Reed,  John  C.  Kearns,  Joseph  Kearns, 
Henry  P.  Alexander,  Thomas  Stoneroad,  Samuel  Sterrett,  Jacob  Sigler, 
Joseph  Baker,  Samuel  Barr,  Peter  Townsend,  and  William  Ingram. 

Mr.  Johnston  Sigler  and  Charles  Mitchell  were  duly  elected  elders, 
the  former  on  March  19,  1866,  and  the  latter  on  September  i,  1873,  but 
through  diffidence  or  from  some  other  cause  declined  to  serve. 

TRUSTEES. 

The  names  of  those  who  have  served  as  trustees  arc  Francis  Boggs, 
Johnston  Sigler,  Samuel  Sterrett,  Samuel  Alexander,  Samuel  Mitchell, 
Robert  A.  Sigler,  James  Nixon,  Henry  P.  Alexander,  R.  Bruce  Stewart, 
Oscar  Alexander,  Willis  F.  Kearns. 

THE    S.-\BB.\TH-SCHOOL. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  Little  Valley  Presbyterian  Church  was  or- 
ganized in  the  spring  of  1828,  principally  as  the  result  of  a  series  of  ad- 
dresses delivered  by  Mr.  Joseph  B.  Adams,  a  young  man  just  out  of  the 
Theological  Seminary  at  Princeton,  and  who  was  employed  as  an  agent 
of  the  American  Sunday-School  Union.  The  first  officers  of  the  school 
were  Mr.  John  Bell,  superintendent;  Mr.  Abraham  Rothrock  (after- 
wards Dr.  Rothrock,  a  ruling  elder  in  McVeytown  Church),  assistant 
superintendent ;  Mrs.  Henry  Long,  treasurer;  Miss  Mary  Long  (afterwards 
Mrs.  Thomas  Reed),  librarian.     None  of  these  survive  at  the  present  day. 

In  1838  Mr.  Bell,  having  served  as  superintendent  of  the  school  for 
a  period  of  ten  years,  died,  and  was  succeeded  in  office  by  Mr.  Henry 
Long,  who  served  five  years,  and  died  in  1843.  During  his  supcrinten- 
dency — namely,  in  1842 — the  Methodist  families  in  the  neighborhood 
obtained  a  separate  organization,  known  as  the  Diy  Valley  Methodist 
Episcopal  Sabbath-School.  Mr.  Samuel  Sharpe  succeeded  Mr.  Long  in 
the  Presbyterian  school,  and  served  one  year,  when,  removing  from  the 
neighborhood,  he  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  James  H.  Alexander  in  1845, 
who  continued  to  serve  faithfully  and  efficiently  to  the  day  of  his  death, 
1893,  a  period  of  forty-nine  years!  The  present  officers  are  Dr.  R.  M. 
^dWdiC^,  cx-officio  superintendent;  Mr.  Joseph  Bawn,  assistant  superin- 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 93 

tendent ;  Miss  Alice  Sigler,  treasurer ;  Miss  Florence  McManamy, 
secretary;  Mr.  Albert  Alexander,  librarian ;  and  Mrs.  Martha  Mitchell, 
superintendent  of  the  infant  department. 

Little  Valley  has  been  in  an  eminent  degree  a  "  mother  church," 
and  has  not  only  sent  out  large  numbers  of  members  to  recruit  and 
strengthen  other  churches,  but  has  also  contributed  very  largely  to  the 
Presbyterian  ministry.  The  following-named  ministers  were  raised  and 
trained  in  her  bounds  and  given  to  the  church  at  large,  viz. : 

Rev.  Joel  Stoneroad,  now  deceased ;  Rev.  John  E.  Ale.xander,  D.D., 
living  at  Greenville,  Tennessee ;  Rev.  Hugh  Alexander,  living  at  Cul- 
peper,  Virginia  ;  Rev.  William  C.  Ale.xander,  D.D.,  living  at  Georgetown, 
District  of  Columbia  ;  Rev.  John  C.  Barr,  living  at  Tyrone,  Pennsylvania ; 
Rev.  J.  Edmund  Kearns,  now  deceased ;  Rev.  J.  Vernon  Bell,  living  at 
Dubois,  Pennsylvania ;  and  Rev.  D.  A.  K.  Preston,  of  Bellevue,  Iowa. 

R.    M.    VV.A.LL.^CE. 


LOGAN'S   VALLEY  (BELLWOOD). 

At  an  early  day  occasional  services  under  the  auspices  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  were  held  in  Logan's  Valley.  A  few  members  of  that 
communion  had  found  their  wa\-  into  this  secluded  region,  and  for  their 
convenience  the  pastors  of  the  churches  in  adjacent  valleys  preached  at 
intervals.  The  inhabitants  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  valley  were  depend- 
ent upon  the  ministrations  of  the  pastor  of  the  church  of  Sinking  Valley, 
whilst  those  of  the  Presb\-terian  communion  in  the  western  part,  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  present  city  of  Altoona,  were  under  the  care  of  the  church 
of  Hollidaysburg.  As  early  as  1835  the  Rev.  Samuel  Hill,  at  that  time 
pastor  of  the  church  of  Sinking  Valley,  preached  one-sixth  of  his  time 
within  the  limits  of  this  valley,  thereby  bringing  the  ordinances  within  the 
reach  of  families  attached  to  his  congregation  on  the  west  side  of  Brush 
Mountain.  The  central  point  of  this  Presbyterian  population  was  in  the 
vicinity  of  McCamant's  Forge,  and  here  in  1837  a  church  was  organized 
with  twenty-three  members.  John  Campbell  and  James  Hunter  were 
elected  and  ordained  as  ruling  elders.  The  former  continued  to  serve  the 
congregation  in  this  capacity  with  great  acceptance  for  nearly  fifty  years, 
but  the  latter  after  a  few  years  laid  aside  the  active  duties  of  the  office. 

In  1845  ^  church  building  was  erected  near  the  present  village  of 
Tipton  on  a  piece  of  ground  donated  by  Graham  McCamant,  Esq.,  who 

13 


194  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

was  an  active  and  devoted  friend  of  the  enterprise.  For  a  time  the 
church  increased  in  numbers,  but  their  inability  to  maintain  the  stated 
means  of  grace  made  them  dependent  upon  occasional  supplies  appointed 
by  Presbj-tery,  and  to  that  extent  the  growth  of  tlie  newly-organized 
church  was  impeded. 

The  names  of  Revs.  Samuel  Hill,  Dr.  W.  J.  Gibson,  John  White,  John 
McKinney,  Dr.  David  McKinney,  David  Sterrett,  and  others  appear  as 
supplies  sent  by  Presbytery  to  look  after  the  scattered  flock  and  admin- 
ister at  long  intervals  the  sacraments  of  the  church.  During  this  time 
the  church  was  more  frequently  supplied  by  Dr.  W.  J.  Gibson,  and  his 
ministry  is  a  pleasant  memory  among  the  people  to  this  day.  A  con- 
troversy on  the  subject  of  baptism  with  Rev.  Dr.  Adie  K.  Bell  gained 
him  reputation  as  a  disputant,  and  helped  to  settle  the  \'exed  doctrinal 
question  in  the  religious  circles  of  the  valley. 

In  1856  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Hamilton  became  stated  supply,  and  for  three 
years  the  church,  enjoying  a  stated  ministry,  was  considerably  strength- 
ened. In  the  following  }-ear,  after  his  surrender  of  the  charge,  the  church 
was  grouped  with  that  of  Birmingham  and  the  newly-organized  church 
of  Tyrone,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  J.  H.  Barnard.  This  ar- 
rangement after  a  short  time  was  interrupted  by  the  resignation  of  Mr. 
Barnard,  and  his  transfer  to  Bellefonte  as  co-pastor  with  Dr.  Linn.  In 
1 86 1  Rev.  Orr  Lawson  became  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Sinking  Valley 
and  Logan's  Valley.  Under  this  arrangement  the  church  entered  upon 
a  new  career  of  prosperity.  The  ordinances  were  regularly  maintained, 
and  a  healthy  growth  was  the  consequence.  This  pastoral  relation  con- 
tinued until  1867,  when  Mr.  Lawson  resigned  the  care  of  this  church, 
but  retained  his  connection  with  Sinking  Valley.  During  the  balance 
of  that  year  and  a  part  of  the  following  the  Rev.  R.  F.  Wilson,  the 
present  stated  clerk  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  preached  for  the 
congregation.  In  May,  1868,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers  began  his  work  as 
pastor,  and  was  shortly  thereafter  installed.  This  relation  has  remained 
unchanged  until  the  present  time,  extending  over  a  period  of  more  than 
twenty-seven  years.  At  the  beginning  of  this  pastorate  the  number  of 
communicants  was  sixty;  at  present  it  is  about  two  hundred,  many  of 
whom  reside  in  the  village  of  Bellwood  and  vicinity. 

When  this  church  was  organized  it  was  the  only  Presbyterian  con- 
gregation within  the  limits  of  Logan's  Valley,  and  now  there  are  six 
others  occupying  the  same  territory,  and  among  them  several  of  the 
strongest  churches  of  the  Presbytery.     The  selection  of  this  valley  as 


o 
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OF    THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 95 

the  route  of  the  great  Pennsylvania  Railroad  attracted  a  large  popula- 
tion to  its  borders.  The  cities  of  Altoona  in  the  western  extremity  and 
of  Tyrone  on  the  eastern  border  contain  a  large  Presbyterian  population 
and  form  a  hopeful  field  for  Christian  work. 

In  1S65  a  church  building  was  erected  near  Bell's  Mills,  which  for 
years  had  been  an  outpost  of  the  congregation,  where  services  were  held 
for  the  convenience  of  the  members  residing  in  the  vicinity.  The  sub- 
sequent growth  of  Bell's  Mills  (now  Bellwood)  made  it  necessary  to 
abandon  this  structure  and  erect  another  nearer  the  centre  of  population, 
and  accordingly  the  brick  building  in  which  the  congregation  now  wor- 
ships in  the  borough  of  Bellwood  was  erected  and  occupied  in  1SS3. 
A  convenient  and  comfortable  manse  was  built  upon  the  church  property 
in  the  autumn  of  1887. 

The  following  persons  have  been  connected  with  the  Session  of  the 
church  during  these  years,  viz. : 

Xame.  Year. 

John  Cimpbell 1S37-18S4. 

James  Hunter 1837-1843. 

D.  G.  Hunter 1S43-1S63. 

John  Kratzer 1S43-1S57. 

B.  F.  Bell 1S56-1S77. 

Thomas  McCauley 1856—1863. 

James  K.  Henry 1S63-1865. 

S.  G.  Wilson 1874-1SS8. 

Rowan  Clarke,  M.D 1874-1S81. 

D.  L.  Wray 1S74. 

William  Geesey 1878-1881. 

F.  W.  Shaffer 18S3-1895. 

Thomas  Fleck 1SS3. 

W.  H.  Morrow,  M.D 1889. 

William  Fuoss 1S89. 

L.  W.  Irwin      1889. 

The  persons  at  present  constituting  the  Session  are  D.  L.  Wray, 
Thomas  Fleck,  L.  W.  Irwin,  William  Fuoss,  and  W.  H.  Morrow,  M.D. 
A  short  time  after  the  centennial  exercises  of  the  Presbytery  F.  W. 
Shaffer,  for  years  an  efficient  member  of  this  body,  passed  to  the  rest 
of  heaven,  after  vainly  seeking  relief  from  suffering  through  the  agency 
of  the  surgeon's  knife.  It  would  not  be  amiss  to  refer  to  the  invaluable 
services  of  John  Campbell,  Esq.,  who  for  nearly  fifty  years  served  the 
congregation  in  this  capacity  with  great  acceptance.  His  sturdy  char- 
acter, his  conscientiousness  and  personal  integrity  mingled  respect  and 


196  THE   CEXTEKNIAL   AXXIVERSARY 

honor  with  his  service.  For  many  years  B.  F.  Bell  acceptably  performed 
the  functions  of  this  office.  His  liberalit>-  and  solicitude  for  the  welfare 
of  the  church  commanded  the  admiration  of  those  who  were  interested 
in  the  prosperity  of  the  organization.  His  counsel  and  sympathy  and 
means  were  always  generously  used  in  advancing  the  interests  of  the 
church  which  he  loved  so  well.  He  escaped  from  the  deep  sorrows  of 
this  mortal  life  more  than  half  a  score  of  years  ago.  For  fourteen  years 
S.  G.  Wilson,  of  Tipton,  with  great  fidelitj"  served  the  congregation  as  a 
ruling  elder.  His  faith  was  far-reaching  and  childlike,  and  his  love  for 
the  church  of  God  was  a  passion.  He  died  in  a  good  old  age,  and  his 
end  partook  of  the  glorj-  of  a  translation.  His  eye  seemed  to  rest  upon 
the  person  of  the  One  Invisible,  and  his  eagerness  to  depart  and  be  with 
Christ  was  Pauline. 

The  church  is  well  equipped  for  Christian  work.  A  board  of  deacons, 
consisting  of  four  members,  \Vm.  A.  Lytle,  A.  R.  Irwin,  F.  M.  Glasgow, 
and  Albert  McFarland,  looks  faithfully  after  the  interests  intrusted  to  its 
care.  And  under  an  act  of  incorporation  the  following  trustees  hold 
the  church  property  in  their  custody, — viz. :  Wm.  Bush,  Alex.  M.  Corn- 
messer,  Hudson  Irwin,  Emorj'  Wilson,  and  C.  F.  Kenote. 

The  organization  which  was  effected  with  many  misgivings  nearly 
si.xty  years  ago  has  become  a  compact  and  earnest  congregation.  Its 
past  history  is  to  many  of  those  connected  with  it  an  inspiration  and  a 
joy.  May  its  usefulness  increase  and  its  influence  extend  as  the  \-ears 
so  rapidly  xanish  away. 

J.    H.    M.\THERS. 


LOST   CREEK   (McALISTERVILLE). 

From  the  year  1759  we  may  date  the  rise  of  this  Presbyterian  con- 
gregation, known  originally  as  "  Cedar  Spring,"  situated  half  a  mile  from 
Cedar  Spring,  on  the  right-hand  side  of  the  road  leading  towards  Mexico. 

About  1760  measures  were  taken  to  secure  a  public  ministry.  To 
secure  the  right  of  land  for  erecting  a  "  meeting-house"  and  burial- 
ground  from  the  government,  James  Patterson  and  James  Purdy  were 
sent  to  Philadelphia ;  they  secured  a  grant  for  two  hundred  acres.  The 
people  then  began  to  erect  a  "  meeting-house,"  each  member  furnishing 
some  logs.  The  house  was  raised  to  about  one  story,  when  they  were 
compelled  to  abandon  it  and  flee  for  their  lives,  because  of  the  uprising 
of  the  Indians.     The  building  was,  however,  completed  three  years  later 


o 

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OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDOh'.  1 97 

on  the  return  of  the  settlers.  The  erection  of  this  first  house  of  wor- 
ship was  wholly  the  work  of  the  laity.  It  is  supposed  they  were  first 
visited  by  the  ordained  minister  in  1766,  when  Rev.  Charles  Beatty  and 
Rev.  George  Duffield,  who,  being  on  their  way  as  missionaries  to  the 
frontier  in  Ohio,  stopped  a  few  days  and  preached  for  them. 

Rev.  J.  Kennedy,  a  Presbj-terian  minister  from  the  north  of  Ireland, 
began  his  labors  in  this  church  about  1771,  which  lasted  for  about  four 
years.  His  relation  to  the  congregation  appears  to  have  been  merely  a 
"  stated  supply." 

Rev.  Hugh  Magill,  the  first  regular  pastor,  ordained  in  Ireland, 
was  installed  over  Cedar  Spring  and  Tuscarora  congregations  in  1779. 
His  pastoral  relation  with  this  (the  Cedar  Spring)  congregation  con- 
tinued for  twenty  years.  During  the  ne.xt  three  years  the  church  was 
without  a  pastor,  but  the  laity  were  none  the  less  active.  It  was  during 
this  time  (about  iSoo)  that  the  "meeting-house"  at  Cedar  Spring  was 
abandoned  and  two  other  churches  were  erected  instead,  one  at  Mifflin- 
town  and  the  other  near  McAlisterville.  The  McAlisterville  portion  of 
the  congregation  built  a  small  log  church  in  an  oak  grove  about  half  a 
mile  from  town.  In  1S40  this  was  replaced  by  a  brick  building.  This 
edifice  was  occupied  till  March  28,  1887,  when  it  was  decided,  as  the  old 
structure  was  no  longer  safe  and  was  too  far  out  of  town,  to  build  a  new 
church  in  the  town  of  McAlisterville.  The  church,  being  finished,  was 
dedicated  May  6,  1888.  Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace,  D.D.,  and  Rev.  R.  F. 
Wilson  conducted  the  service.  It  was  found  after  the  collection  of  the 
evening  service  that  there  was  sufficient  money  to  pay  for  the  erection 
of  the  new  building. 

For  about  seventy-five  years  the  i\Iifflintown  and  McAlisterville 
branch  had  but  one  organization.  The  one  bench  of  elders  served  for 
both  branches  of  the  church. 

Rev.  ]\Iatthew  Brown  preached  in  this  church  in  the  fall  of  1801,  but 
was  not  ordained  and  installed  until  the  spring  of  1 802.  His  pastoral 
relation  to  the  church  lasted  for  three  years. 

Mr.  John  Hutchison,  who  supplied  the  church  during  the  summer  of 
1805,  was  ordained  and  installed  over  both  branches  of  the  church  at  a 
meeting  of  Presbytery  in  the  church  at  Lost  Creek  April  15,  1806.  This 
was  his  only  charge,  which  he  faithfully  served  for  thirty-eight  years  and 
six  months.  God  alone  saw  fit  to  sever  the  relation  between  this  people 
and  much-beloved  pastor  November  11,  1844. 

Rev.  Matthew  Allison  came  from  Philadelphia  that  same  week  and 


1 98  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

occupied  the  pulpit  the  following  Sabbath.  After  preaching  he  was 
asked  to  supply  the  church  till  spring.  He  received  a  call  March  26, 
1845,  3nd  was  installed  the  following  month.  After  serving  this  church 
as  pastor  for  twenty-seven  years,  he  departed  from  this  world  July  8, 
1872. 

Rev.  T.  J.  Sherrard  began  his  labors  as  co-pastor  with  Rev.  Matthew 
Allison  the  first  Sabbath  in  1872.  He  was  ordained  and  installed  June 
II,  1872.  But  the  following  month  Rev.  Allison  died,  leaving  him  sole 
pastor.  He  resigned  his  pastoral  relation  April  8,  1875.  ^^'^  desire  was 
to  effect  a  division  of  the  two  branches  of  the  church.  This  was  accom- 
plished at  a  meeting  of  Presb\'ter)'  at  Port  Royal,  April  13.  1875,  at 
which  time  the  congregation  at  the  Mifflintown  end  of  the  church  was 
granted  a  separate  church  organization. 

During  the  years  previous  to  1872  the  arrangement  between  the  two 
ends  of  the  congregation  was  for  Mifflintown  to  have  three  Sabbaths' 
preaching  out  of  five,  while  Lost  Creek  received  the  services  of  the  other 
two  and  paid  two-fifths  of  the  pastor's  salary.  At  the  beginning  of  1872, 
Rev.  Allison  having  a  co-pastor,  Rev.  Sherrard,  it  was  arranged  that  Lost 
Creek  should  have  preaching  everj'  alternate  Sabbath  and  pay  half  the 
pastor's  salarj-.  This  arrangement  continued  until  the  division  of  the 
two  branches  of  the  church.  April  13,  1875. 

For  the  next  thirteen  years  Lost  Creek  was  without  a  regular  pastor. 
The  lait)-,  however,  proved  its  loyalty  to  the  church  b>-  erecting  a  new 
house  of  worship  in  the  town  of  McAlisterville  and  tearing  down  the 
old  structure. 

Emil  Lew)-  received  a  call  to  the  church,  and  was  installed  November 
13,  1888.  He  served  the  church  until  December  4,  1892;  by  his  own 
request  he  was  released.  The  church  was  again  vacant  for  nearly  two 
years. 

Rev.  H.  S.  Welty  was  called  April  28,  1894;  he  supplied  the  church 
from  July  i,  1894,  till  October  30  of  the  same  year,  when  he  was  in- 
stalled as  pastor. 

The  present  officers  are  : 

Pastor.— Yi&v.  H.  S.  Welty. 

EJdcrs. — Edmund  S.  Jamison,  served  from  August  13,  1858. 

Mr.  William  Harrison  McAlister,  who  is  in  his  eightieth  year,  with 
his  maiden  sister  Sarah,  the  only  survivors  of  that  interesting  and  de- 
voted family  of  Presbyterians  to  which  this  church  owes  much  of  its 
success,  was  ordained  March  21,  1886. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  1 99 

Mr.  Michael  Coldren  was  ordained  March  21,  1886. 

Trustees. — The  church  has  six  trustees,  two  of  which  are  elected  each 
year  to  serve  three  years :  J.  Banks  Wilson,  Reuben  Caveny,  W.  H. 
Moore,  Milton  Baer,  George  Martin,  Steven  Lloyd  McAlister. 

H.  S.  Welty. 


LOWER   SPRUCE   CREEK. 

The  Lower  Spruce  Creek  Presbyterian  Church  was  organized  April 
29,  1 87 1,  by  a  committee  of  Presbytery  consisting  of  Rev.  R.  ]\I.  Wal- 
lace, Rev.  J.  J.  Coale,  and  Elder  Samuel  McCamant. 

Previous  to  this  date,  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Coale  at  Sinking 
Valley,  which  began  in  the  early  part  of  1S70  (and  even  before  this  by 
other  denominations),  there  had  been  regular  preaching  service  held  in 
the  hall  above  the  Spruce  Creek  school-house,  which  came  to  be  known 
as  the  Union  Church. 

Early  in  1871  Rev.  Coale  conducted  a  series  of  evangelistic  services 
here,  with  very  marked  results,  and  the  time  seemed  ripe  for  the  organi- 
zation of  a  church.  With  the  recent  converts,  and  with  a  large  number 
of  members  from  the  Sinking  Valley  Church  living  in  and  about  Spruce 
Creek,  the  organization  was  effected,  consisting  of  fifty-one  members, 
with  Rev.  J.  J.  Coale  as  pastor  and  Messrs.  Sidney  Thompson,  M.D., 
Samuel  C.  Tussey,  and  Osborne  Laird  as  elders. 

The  congregation  continued  to  worship  in  the  Union  Church  until 
1872,  when  they  erected  a  neat  and  comfortable  brick  edifice  for  their 
own  use. 

The  elders  who  have  ser\-ed  the  congregation  thus  far  are  the  three 
above  named.  General  Stuart,  and  the  two  now  in  service,  Messrs. 
Thomas  Davis  and  W.  D.  Isett. 

The  pastorate  of  Rev.  Coale  terminated  in  the  month  of  May,  1892, 
and  at  a  congregational  meeting  held  the  27th  of  December  of  the  same 
year  the  present  pastor,  S.  W.  Young,  then  a  licentiate  and  student  in  the 
Western  Theological  Seminary  of  Alleghany,  was  called  for  one-half  his 
time  at  a  salary  of  five  hundred  dollars.  His  installation  took  place  on 
the  28th  of  May,  1893.  From  that  time  to  July,  1895,  there  have  been 
thirt>'-four  persons  added  to  the  church,  twenty-seven  of  this  number 
being  received  on  profession  of  faith.  The  present  membership  numbers 
seventy-five. 


200  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Wliile  the  spiritual  prosperity  of  this  church  has  been  marked  and 
the  attendance  upon  divine  worship  very  greatly  increased,  its  financial 
growth  has  been  no  less  so,  and  alreadj-  many  of  her  members  are  look- 
ing forward  to  the  time  when  she  can  be  an  independent  church,  main- 
taining a  pastor  for  the  whole  of  his  time. 

S.  W.  Young. 


LOWER   TUSCARORA. 

This  church,  the  oldest  in  the  Huntingdon  Presbytery,  may  be  not 
less  than  one  hundred  and  forty-five  years  old.  The  first  settlers,  who 
were  Presbyterians,  came  into  this  Tuscarora  Valley  in  1749,  and  would 
not  be  long  without  a  place  and  mode  of  worship.  The  first  rude  log 
building  is  reported  to  ha\e  been  erected  before  the  first  missionary 
came  to  preach  to  them.  It  having  been  destroyed,  and  the  inhabitants 
having  fled  from  the  country  on  account  of  the  Indians,  and  having 
returned,  they  met  again  to  worship  in  private  houses. 

In  1766  Rev.  Charles  Beatty  and  Rev.  John  Duffield  came  and 
preached  above  and  at  Academia. 

In  1773  twenty  acres  of  ground  in  Milford  Township,  now  in  part 
Beale  Township,  were  given  for  the  use  of  a  Presbyterian  society  or 
congregation.  On  this  land  and  about  this  date  the  second  log  church 
was  built.  In  1 790  the  third  log  church,  hewn  as  to  its  timbers  and 
with  thirt}'-six  sawn  boards  as  to  its  seats,  was  erected. 

In  1816  the  stone  church,  now  standing  and  plastered  externally, 
was  the  fourth  building  erected,  and  is  shown  in  part  in  the  accompa- 
nying engraving,  though  altered  internally,  and  as  to  its  height  and 
windows,  for  school  purposes,  it  being  the  present  Tuscarora  Academy 
building. 

The  fifth  and  present  church  edifice,  shown  in  full  in  the  accom- 
panying engraving,  was  constructed  in  1849,  and  dedicated  to  God's 
service  the  following  year,  and  has  been  greatly  owned  and  blessed  of 
God  with  revival  upon  revival  scenes. 

The  first  called  pastor  to  tliis  church,  in  union  with  the  Cedar  Spring 
(now  McAlisterville)  Church,  was  Rev.  Mr.  Rhea.  He  was  called  in 
1 77 1,  but  never  installed.  The  first  installed  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Hugh 
Magill.  In  connection  with  Cedar  Spring  Church  this  first  pastorate 
began  in  November,  1779,  and  continued  until  April,  1796. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  20I 

A  little  confusion  exists  as  to  the  number  and  names  of  all  the  elders 
up  to  this  date,  or  the  year  1800,  when  the  next  pastor  appears  on  the 
ground.  William  Bell,  Esq.,  and  John  Williams  are  asserted  to  have 
been  the  first  elders,  but  the  records  of  Presbytery  show  the  names  of 
the  following  persons  as  attendant  upon  its  Sessions :  John  Boggs,  John 
Armstrong,  William  Waddle,  Jonathan  McCoy,  William  Graham,  and 
William  Sterrett,  in  addition  to  the.  two  named  above. 

In  December,  1799,  Rev.  John  Coulter  appeared  on  the  field  and 
preached  Sabbath,  January  i,  iSco.  He  was  installed  August  11,  1801, 
and  on  August  14,  iSoi,  also  over  Middle  Tuscarora  Church,  some 
eight  miles  farther  up  the  valle)-.  His  united  pastorate  over  these  two 
churches  continued  for  thirty-three  years,  until  his  death,  June  22,  1S34. 
He  built  up  both  churches  greatly,  both  in  number  and  in  power.  He 
ad\ocated  temperance  when  the  still-house  abounded.  He  started  the 
first  Sunday-school  hereabout. 

The  following  elders  were  installed  during  his  ministry :  Thomas 
Gilson  (Rev.  R.  F.  W.  gives  in  an  account  William  as  the  Christian 
name),  John  Patterson,  Esq.,  Hugh  Alexander,  John  Kelly,  Esq.  (Rev. 
R.  F.  W.  omits  the  last  and  gives  William  Irvin). 

The  third  regular  pastor  was  Rev.  McKnight  Williamson,  who 
preached  November,  1834,  and  was  installed  early  in  1835  and  continued 
ten  years,  until  April  14,  1845.  He  organized  the  Tuscarora  Academy, 
in  1836,  at  Academia.  He  also  built  the  first  portion  of  the  parsonage 
at  that  place.  The  picture  of  the  parsonage  as  it  has  been  twice  en- 
larged is  given  in  the  accompanying  engraving.  It  was  about  one-third 
that  size  at  first. 

March  22,  1S37,  were  elected  and  April  2  installed  the  following 
elders:  David  Alexander  (omitted  by  R.  F.  W.),  James  Hughes,  Esq. 
(given  as  David  Joseph  by  R.  F.  W.),  William  Sterrett. 

In  1842  one  hundred  and  eight  were  added  to  the  church. 

February  16,  1S44,  were  elected  and  March  10,  1844,  were  installed 
the  following  elders:  James  Patterson,  John  Jacobs,  James  McLaughlin, 
John  Koons,  and  Joseph  Kelly,  M.D. 

The  fourth  pastor  was  Rev.  Benjamin  H.  Campbell,  who  was  in- 
stalled April,  1846,  and  continued  a  few  months  in  1846.  He  died 
December  31,  1848,  in  York,  Pennsylvania. 

The  fifth  pastor  was  Rev.  George  W.  Thompson,  D.D.  He  was 
installed  April  20,  1847,  and  continued  until  his  death,  January  28,  1864. 
He  preached  also   at  Church   Hill    until    1852,  when   the  present  Port 


202  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Royal  Church  building  (then  called  Pern-ville)  was  erected  and  occu- 
pied as  a  part  of  the  Lower  Tuscarora  charge.  The  Tuscarora  Acad- 
emy and  Female  Seminary  at  Academia  and  the  Airy  View  Academy 
at  Perryville  flourished  in  those  days,  and  very  many  young  men  and 
women  united  with  the  church,  and  entered  eminent  walks  of  usefulness 
in  the  church  and  the  world  as  the  result  of  these  intellectual  and 
Christian  influences.  The  memory  of  this  minister  remains  precious  to 
this  day. 

The  following  elders  were  elected  December  21,  1855,  and  installed 
January,  1856:  Elias  Gruver,  John  McLaughlin,  John  Williams,  Daniel 
E.  Flickinger,  W.  Boyd  Gilson,  John  P.  Kelly,  George  W.  Strouse, 
James  Patterson,  and  James  Patton. 

December  5,  1856,  Joseph  Pomeroy  was  elected  and  installed 
elder. 

The  sixth  pastor  was  Rev.  S.  J.  Milliken,  who  was  installed  in  1866 
and  resigned  April,  1870.  During  this  ministry  William  Gruver  and 
D.  D.  Stone  were  elected  and  installed  elders. 

The  seventh  pastor  was  Rev.  L.  B.  W.  Shryock,  who  was  installed  in 
1871  and  resigned  1875.  During  his  ministry'  Samuel  McLaughlin  and 
L.  J.  Barton  were  elected  and  installed  elders. 

The  eighth  pastor  was  Rev.  J.  C.  Oliver,  who  was  installed  in  1875 
and  resigned  1884. 

The  ninth  pastor  was  Rev.  C.  S.  Dewing,  who  was  installed  in  1884 
and  resigned  1886. 

The  tenth  pastor  was  Rev.  J.  S.  Woodburn,  who  was  installed  in  1886 
and  resigned  in  1888. 

The  eleventh  pastor  was  Rev.  S.  A.  Davenport,  who  was  called 
March,  1890,  began  preaching  in  April,  and  was  installed  June  4,  1890. 
He  was  also  pastor,  installed  June  5,  1890,  over  Middle  Tuscarora  Church 
in  connection  with  this  church,  and  still  continues  pastor  over  these  two 
fields.  Just  before  entering  on  this  pastorate  the  church  had  adopted 
the  rotary  eldership.  The  old  board  consisted  of  Samuel  McLaughlin, 
Wilson  Laird,  W.  Boyd  Gilson,  John  P.  Kelly,  and  Josiah  L.  Barton. 
All  these  except  Mr.  McLaughlin,  who  was  very  infirm,  have  been  re- 
tained in  office,  and  as  death  has  necessitated  or  the  system  required,  in 
addition  Nathaniel  Moyer,  Samuel  A.  Graham,  and  Stiles  K.  Boden  have 
been  elected  and  installed  into  office. 

In  1894  the  interior  of  this  church  building  was  beautifully  renovated, 
and  a  gracious  revival  resulted  in  the  addition  of  some  fifty  members  to 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTiyCDON.  203 

the  church,  heads  of  families  and  young  people  bringing  entire  families 
in  some  cases  into  the  church. 

The  following  persons  have  gone  out  of  this  church  into  the  gospel 
ministrj'  in  addition  to  many  others  who  \\ere  students  in  Tuscarora 
Academy : 

Rev.  Joseph  Patterson,  Rev.  Joseph  C.  Kelly,  Rev.  W.  A.  Patton, 
Rev.  Joseph  H.  Barnard,  Rev.  J.  Henry  Beale,  Rev.  J.  Harry  Stewart. 

The  present  membership  of  the  church,  1S95,  is  two  hundred. 


McVEYTOWN. 


The  histor)'  of  the  Presbj'terian  congregation  of  McVeytown  may 
be  divided  into  three  periods:  First,  from  its  founding  to  the  year  1S14; 
second,  from  1814  to  1871  ;  third,  from  1871  to  the  present  time,  1895. 

First  Period. — So  far  as  known  all  the  congregational  records  of  this 
period  have  been  lost.  The  minutes  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Donegal  and 
Carlisle,  the  grandmother  and  mother  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery,  contain 
nothing  concerning  the  organization  of  a  Presbyterian  church  in  the 
vicinit)'  of  McVejlown.  It  is  probable  that,  as  in  the  case  of  so  many 
of  the  churches  founded  in  the  frontier  settlements  of  Pennsylvania  more 
than  a  centurj'  ago,  there  was  no  formal  organization  of  this  church  by 
authority  of  Presbytery.  It  is  impossible,  therefore,  to  assign  an  exact 
date  to  the  beginning  of  this  period. 

From  the  journal  of  the  Rev.  Charles  Beattie,  who,  with  the  Rev. 
George  Dufifield,  was  appointed  missionary  to  the  frontiers  in  1766  by 
the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  it  is  known  that  he  preached 
in  this  vicinity  on  August  26  of  that  year.  Of  this  service  he  writes, 
"  By  twelve  o'clock  a  considerable  number  of  people  were  collected  at  a 
place  in  the  woods  where  a  mill  was  building,  near  to  which  a  house  for 
worship  is  intended  to  be  built  as  being  most  essential  to  the  inhabitants 
in  those  parts.  While  the  people  were  convening  it  began  to  rain,  and 
the  rain  continuing  obliged  as  many  of  us  as  could  to  crowd  into  a  small 
house."  He  likewise  informs  us,  "  That  was  the  first  preaching  in  these 
parts."  Whether  it  was  a  saw-mill  or  a  grist-mill  that  "  was  building" 
cannot  be  determined.  The  first  grist-mill  built  within  the  present  limits 
of  Mifflin  County  was  at  McVeytown,  then  known  as  Holliday,  erected 
about  this  time.     It  appears  upon  the  first  assessment  roll,  1768.     There 


304  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

was  a  saw-mill  built  about  the  same  time  by  Andrew  Bratton  on  his  farm, 
about  two  miles  south  of  McVeytown,  and  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the 
river.  Was  it  at  Holliday's  or  Andrew  Bratton's  that  the  Rev.  Charles 
Beattie  preached  in  1766?  Tradition  says  at  the  latter  place.  The 
writer  is  inclined  to  the  opinion  that  it  was  at  the  former  place. 

The  only  church  structure  erected  in  this  neighborhood  before  the 
close  of  the  eighteenth  century  was  on  the  Andrew  Bratton  farm,  at  the 
northeast  corner  of  the  old  burving-ground,  which  is  still  preserved, 
and  within  recent  years  has  been  surrounded  by  a  substantial  stone  wall. 
It  was  a  humble  structure  built  of  logs  and  roofed  with  clapboards. 
There  are  those  still  living  who  in  their  early  youth  worshipped  in  it 
with  their  fathers.  It  continued  to  be  used  for  church  purposes  till  the 
first  church  was  erected  in  McVeytown,  then  Waynesburg.  This  little 
log  church  was  built  before  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  was  in  all  prob- 
ability' the  first  house  of  worship  erected  west  of  the  Lewistown  Narrows. 
Here  the  fathers  gathered  to  worship  God  long  before  they  had  a 
pastor. 

At  the  first  mention  of  this  church  in  the  minutes  of  Presbytery  it  is 
called  the  "  Presbyterian  Congregation  of  Upper  and  Centre  Wayne." 
In  1800  it  is  simply  the  "  Congregation  of  Wayne." 

The  Rev.  Matthew  Stephens  settled  on  a  farm  in  the  lower  end  of 
Bratton  Township  about  the  year  1780.  His  name  appears  upon  the 
roll  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  in  1785,  the  same  year  in  which  the 
Rev.  James  Johnston,  who  had  received  a  call  from  the  East  Kishaco- 
quillas  Church,  March  15,  1783,  became  a  member.  The  Rev.  Matthew 
Stephens  had  received  a  call  from  the  people  in  this  vicinity,  but  for 
some  reason  he  never  was  installed.  However,  he  preached  in  the 
several  settlements  between  Lewistown  and  Newton  Hamilton  from  the 
time  of  his  coming  till  1795,  when  he  returned  the  call  he  had  received 
from  the  "  Presbyterian  Congregation  of  Upper  and  Centre  Wayne"  to 
the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon.  It  is  the  tradition  that  he  preached  in 
this  community  for  a  period  of  more  than  twenty  years.  It  is,  perhaps, 
demonstrable  that  he  was  the  first  ordained  minister  resident  in  this 
county. 

In  January,  1800,  the  Rev.  James  Simpson,  just  received  from  the 
Presbytery  in  the  "  Kingdom  of  Ireland,"  was  appointed  stated  supply 
of  Upper  and  Centre  Wayne,  Lewistown,  and  Derry.  Mr.  Simpson  re- 
sided at  McVeytown,  this  being  the  largest  and  most  influential  part  of 
his  charge.     There  was  no  church  building  at  Lewistown  at  that  time. 


McVtVTOWN. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HVXTINCDON.  205 

He  acted  as  suppl\-  for  about  three  years,  when  he  was  deposed  from  the 
ministry  on  account  of  his  excessive  use  of  strong  drink. 

From  the  year  1803  to  1819  there  was  no  regular  minister  on  this 
field.  From  time  to  time  it  was  supplied  b}'  appointment  of  Presb}'tcry. 
At  that  time  there  was  not  any  one  congregation  in  the  county  able  to 
support  a  minister  of  itself  By  the  grouping  of  East  Kishacoquillas 
and  Dry  Valle}-,  and  of  Lewistown  and  West  Kishacoquillas,  Wayne 
was  left  out  of  any  convenient  connection,  and  not  being  able  to  support 
a  minister  alone  was  forced  to  depend  upon  supplies. 

Second  Period. — On  December  29,  18 14,  "John  Mevey,  Sr.,  of  the 
one  part,"  deeded  to  "  William  Armstrong,  Archibald  Moore,  and  James 
Criswell,  Trustees,  for  the  Congregation  of  Waynesburg  and  its  vicinity, 
of  the  other  part,  one  half  acre  of  land  situate  on  the  west  side  of  Queen 
Street  and  fronting  six  perches  thereon."  Arrangements  were  imme- 
diately made  for  the  erection  of  a  small  stone  church  on  the  site  of  the 
present  beautiful  and  commodious  structure. 

Mr.  James  S.  Woods,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, began  his  work  in  this  congregation  in  November,  18 19.  On 
April  5,  1820,  he  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  for  one-half  his  time 
at  a  salary  of  three  hundred  dollars.  In  April,  1824,  he  was  installed 
at  Lewistown  for  the  remaining  half  of  his  time.  In  1837  Dr.  Woods 
resigned  the  Waynesburg  charge. 

In  1827  the  org^ization  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  the 
"  Presbyterian  Congregation  of  Waynesburg."  The  stone  church  did 
not  prove  to  be  very  substantial,  and  it  became  necessary  to  take  it  down 
in  1833.  It  was  immediately  replaced  by  a  larger  and  more  substantial 
edifice  built  of  brick  at  a  cost  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 

In  April,  183S,  that  part  of  the  Waynesburg  congregation  in  the 
vicinity  of  Newton  Hamilton,  on  petition  to,  and  by  direction  of,  Presby- 
tery, was  organized  into  a  separate  congregation.  From  that  date  till 
January  i,  1870,  the  two  congregations  constituted  one  pastorate. 

After  the  resignation  of  Dr.  Woods,  beginning  in  November,  1837, 
the  Rev.  Alexander  Porter  supplied  W^aynesburg  and  Newton  Hamil- 
ton for  six  months,  by  permission  of  Presbytery. 

In  May,  1838,  Mr.  Benjamin  Carroll,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  was  called.  He  began  work  July  i,  and  was  ordained 
and  installed  pastor  October  26,  1838.  This  relation  was  dissolved  at 
his  own  request  and  with  the  consent  of  the  congregation  October  22, 
1838. 


206  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

The  Rev.  Peter  Hasinger  was  called  April  23,  1845,  ^"d  was  installed 
July  28,  1845.     This  relation  was  dissolved  July  i,  1849. 

The  Rev.  David  Sterrett  was  installed  pastor  January  25,  1S50,  and 
the  relation  was  dissolved  October  2,  1855. 

Shortly  afterwards  a  call  was  given  to  Mr.  Richard  H.  Morrow,  a 
licentiate  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery,  but  it  was  declined  for  the  reason 
that  Mr.  Morrow  had  already  received  and  accepted  a  call  to  a  church 
in  Iowa. 

The  Rev.  David  D.  Clarke,  D.D.,  was  installed  pastor  June,  1856, 
and  so  continued  till  his  death,  December  30,  1865. 

On  June  19,  1866,  the  Rev.  S.  C.  McCune  was  installed  pastor.  The 
relation  was  dissolved  May  i,  1869. 

The  Rev.  Thaddeus  McRae  was  installed  pastor  January  19,  1S70, 
and  the  relation  was,  at  his  own  request  and  with  the  consent  of  the 
congregation,  dissolved  by  Presbytery  October  6,  1872. 

Third  Period. — By  petition  of  the  congregation  to  the  fall  meeting 
of  Presbytery,  1869,  the  co-pastorate  with  Ne^vton  Hamilton  was  dis- 
solved. By  decree  of  the  Mifflin  County  Court,  on  April  10,  1871,  the 
corporate  name,  "  The  Presbyterian  Congregation  of  Waynesburg,"  was 
changed  to  "  The  Presbyterian  Congregation  of  McVeytown." 

In  October,  1873,  the  Rev.  David  W.  Moore  was  installed  pastor, 
and  this  relation,  at  his  own  request  and  with  the  consent  of  the  con- 
gregation, was  dissolved  by  Presbytery  October  i,  18S3.  During  the 
year  1874  the  church  was  remodelled  and  enlarged. 

The  Rev.  Eugene  H.  Matcer,  the  pastor  at  the  present  time,  began 
to  preach  February  16,  1SS4,  and  was  duly  installed  April  29,  1S84. 

The  church  corporation  owns  the  following  real  estate:  i.  One-half 
acre,  deeded  December  29,  18 14,  b\-  John  Mevey,  Sr. ;  the  church  build- 
ing stands  on  this  plat,  the  larger  portion,  however,  is  included  in  the 
cemetery.  2.  A  narrow  piece  of  land  on  the  north  side  of  the  above, 
bought  from  Samuel  Holliday,  September  30,  1829.  3.  A  plat,  west  of 
No.  I,  and  containing  seventy-two  perches,  bought  from  Robert  U. 
Jacobs,  November  17,  1829.  4.  On  the  south  side  of  Nos.  i  and  3,  one 
hundred  and  fifty-seven  perches,  bought  of  Robert  U.  Jacobs,  August 
28,  1834.  5.  Lot  No.  130  on  the  plan  of  McVeytown,  bought  from 
James  Criswell,  January  10,  1861.  6.  The  parsonage  and  appurtenances, 
purchased  from  Dr.  A.  Rothrock,  May  7,  1863.  7.  Lots  No.  131  and 
132  on  borough  plan,  bought  of  William  Macklin  and  William  A.  Moore, 
April  5,  1867.     8.  Lot  No.  129,  bought  from  JMrs.  Rettie  M.  Clarke. 


■r. 
z 


> 


OF   THE   PRESBYTER\    OF  HUNTINGDON.  207 

The    following   persons    have    served    as    ruling    elders :    Col.   John 

Bratton, to   1805  ;  the  Hon.  John  Ohver,  to   1S41  ;  Samuel 

Withrowr,  1818  to  1873;  Nathaniel  Wilson,  1827  to  1870;  William 
Erwin,  1827  to  1862;  Cyrus  Criswell,  1827  to  1849;  William  Wakefield, 
1827  to  185 1  ;  George  Oliver,  1847  to  1850;  Samuel  B.  Lower,  1847  to 
185s;  John  Humes,  1847  to  1865;  Abraham  Rothrock,  M.D.,  1858  to 
1894;  Samuel  Coulter,  1858  to  1864;  William  Macklin,  1863  to  1884; 
John  Oliver,  1863  to  1879;  Elisha  Bratton,  1863  to  1878;  William 
Swanzey,  1869  to  1884;  Winchester  McCarthy,  1870  to  18S5  ;  Major 
William  Wilson,  1S79  to  1 881. 

OFFICERS    AND    MEMBERSHIP,    DECEMBER    I,    I895. 

Session. — The  Rev.  Eugene  H.  Mateer,  pastor,  installed  April  29,  1884. 

Ruling  Elders. — Adam  Leffard,  ordained  June,  1869;  John  Kiner, 
ordained  January,  1879;  George  McKee,  ordained  June,  1879;  James 
Macklin,  ordained  October,  1885;  Walter  S.  Wilson,  M.D.,  ordained 
October,  1885  ;  Charles  Bratton,  ordained  June,  1886. 

Trustees. — Jacob  R.  Wirt,  president ;  Samuel  M.  Troxell,  secretary ; 
the  Hon.  William  P.  Stevenson,  treasurer;  George  H.  Macklin  and 
Robert  Forg)-,  Jr. 

Roll  of  Connnunicants. — Martha  A.  (McVey)  Allen  ;  Susan  Atkinson 
and  daughter,  Emily  E. ;  Sarah  Brimmer  and  children,  Mary  L.,  Annie 
S.,  Sadie  C,  Leamon  W. ;  George  Bortel  and  granddaughter,  Jennie ; 
Mary  A.  Bratton,  widow  of  Elisha ;  Charles  and  Susan  Bratton  and 
family,  Grace  E.,  Charles  B.,  Thaddeus  S.  and  wife,  Rebecca  J. ;  William 
B.  and  Hannah  Bratton  and  daughters,  Ada  V.,  Martha  J.  (Banks),  and 
Anna  May ;  Elisha  R.  Bratton  and  wife,  Hester  A, ;  Catharine  S.,  Bertha 
M.,  and  Clyde  R.,  of  Joseph  R.  and  Margaret  R.  Bratton;  Emma  J. 
Bratton,  daughter  of  William  R. ;  Margaret  Barlett;  Rebecca  B.  Brower; 
Benjamin  E.  and  Margaret  J.  Brown  and  daughters,  Anna  B.  and  Miriam 
L. ;  Ellen  S.  Booth,  daughter  of  J.  J. ;  Catharine  K.  Browne,  widow; 
Catharine  Calderwood,  sister  of  Mrs.  Brimmer ;  Sarah  Coulter,  widow 
of  George  W. ;  Edmund  Conrad  and  wife,  Catharine ;  Rettie  M.  Clarke 
and  sons,  George  C.  and  Robert  B. ;  Martha  J.  Corkle  and  daughters,  E. 
May  and  Maud  L. ;  Mary  Ann  Cramer,  widow  of  Cyrus ;  James  A. 
Conner;  Hannah  C.  Dull;  Mary  Davis,  widow  of  Edward;  Annie  E. 
Dunmire;  Annie  Dunmire;  Amanda  M.  Dean,  wife  of  Isaac;  Rosanna 
Matilda  Erwin,  daughter  of  William ;  William  H.  and  Sarah  K.  Erwin 
and  family,  Rosanna  M.,  Estella,  and  William  I. ;  Carrie  M.  Ewing  and 


20S  THE   CEXTEXXIAL   AXXIVERSARY 

sister,  Lizzie  L. ;  Robert  Forgy  and  son,  Henry  \V.,  and  children, 
Cliarles  G.,  Bessie,  Robert  and  wife,  I.  Rebecca  (Garver)  Forgy; 
Evanna  Ferrer;  Alice  M.  Fike;  Carrie  B.  Freed;  John  and  Elmira 
Glasgow  and  son,  William  B.  and  wife,  Effie  R. ;  Catharine  Gar\'er, 
widow  of  Henry ;  John  A.  Giant ;  Jane  Horning  and  daughters,  Man.- 
E.,  Maggie  J.,  Annie  S. :  William  and  Eliza  Hassinger  and  children. 
William  E.,  Isabel,  and  Leah  Nora ;  William  Hartzler  and  wife,  Mar\- 
(Engle);  Oliver  H.  and  Julia  Hosterman  and  family,  Benjamin  F., 
Carrie  E. ;  Elizabeth  J.  Hawke,  wife  of  Fred. ;  Clara  K.  Hicks,  teacher 
of  select  school ;  Richard  ]\L  Johnson,  !VLD.,  and  Orlie  A.  and  daughters, 
M.  Lucretia,  Annie  J. ;  Marj'  A.  Jenkins,  wife  of  A.  J. ;  Jacob  and 
Jane  H.  Knepp  and  daughter,  Callie  E. ;  Marj'  I\I.  Kimberly,  wife  of  J. 
J.;  Marj'  M.  Kimberly,  wife  of  George;  John  Kiner  and  family,  Emma, 
William  ;  Elizabeth  Kiefhaber  and  brother,  Ferdinand ;  Ada  B.  Kinsell, 
wife  of  James ;  Annie  E.  Kirk,  wife  of  David ;  Anna  IVL  Kable  and 
daughter,  Minnie  H. ;  David  M.  Kerr;  M.  Josephine  (Shehen)  Kauff- 
man,  wife  of  Charles  G.  ;  Adam  and  Mar>-  Leffard  and  family,  Sallie  E., 
John  S.,  and  wife,  Annie  M. ;  Joseph  S.  Lefifard  and  wife,  Emily ;  William 
J.  Leattor ;  William  M.  Landis ;  Bertha  K.  Laughlin  and  sister,  Mary 
B. ;  Margaret  ^L  Klippert ;  George  H.  Macklin  and  wife,  Laura  J.  (Lef- 
fard) ;  James  and  E.  Jennie  Macklin  and  daughters,  Jessamine,  Annie 
L. ;  Effie  Macklin,  sister  of  G.  H.  and  James;  William  A.  Moore;  Re- 
becca G.  Mitchell,  widow  of  George;  Mary  E.  Miller,  wife  of  David; 
Agnes  Mateer,  wife  of  E.  H.,  and  children,  Jessie  E.,  Mary  E. ;  Irvin  M. 
Mower)'  and  wife,  Hannah  ;  Ella  M.  Myers,  daughter  of  John  ;  Effie  E. 
Magill;  James  B.  Morrison  and  wife,  Nora  M.;  James  G.  McCoy; 
Samuel  McWilliams  and  wife,  Elizabeth ;  George  and  Annie  McKee  and 
daughters,  Jennie,  wife  of  Andrew,  ^L  Alice,  Anna  AL  ;  Annie  McKee, 
sister  of  George ;  John  S.  McCoy ;  A.  Rebecca  McCarthy,  wife  of  Samuel 
W. ;  Elizabeth  McCarthy,  daughter  of  John  Kiner;  Susan  McKillips  and 
sons,  T.  Emeron,  Jesse  Y. ;  Rosa  C.  (Bratton)  McCormick ;  Lillie  M. 
McLaughlin;  Maggie  C.  Oliver,  daughter  of  John;  Joseph  E.  S.  Postle- 
waite  and  wife,  Jennie  L.  (Bratton) ;  Mar}'  Pollock  and  brother,  John  T. ; 
Rebecca  W.  Patterson,  daughter  of  Robert  L. ;  L)-man  Pincin  and  wife, 
Maggie;  Delilah  Pennepacker,  widow  of  James;  Olie  E.  Parker;  Mary 
E.  Rothrock ;  Elizabeth  E.  Ross ;  Catharine  Rothrock  and  daughters. 
Wealthy  E.,  Annie  Irene;  William  G.  Rupert  and  wife,  Clara  B.  (Kim- 
berly); NorthA.  Stine;  Hannah  E.  Stine,  widow  of  John  ;  Rebecca  C, 
wife  of  Jacob;  Hannah  C,  wife  of  Samuel  B. ;  William  P.  and  Annie  E. 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HCNTIXGDOX.  209 

Stevenson  and  daughter,  Janet  Plummer;  Matilda  Swartz,  wife  of  Dr.  J. 
A.;    Martha  J.  Stewart,  widow  of  James;    Samuel   Smith;  Annie  E. 
Strode  and  daughters,  Catharine,  Maggie  J.,  Anna  M. ;  John  C.  Shehen 
and  wife,  Marj- ;  Evaline  Sharer,  wife  of  William ;  Maggie  B.  Stine,  wife 
of  David  ;  Josiah  W.  and  Hannah  Snook  and  daughter,  Mar}-  A. ;  Moses 
Shively  and  daughter,  Mary;  EUie  (McVey)  Sunderland,  wife  of  Cloyd; 
Frederick  F.  and  Clara  E.  Sheaffer  and  son,  Charles  E. ;  Roxanna  C. 
Saylor,  daughter  of  J.  H. ;  Samuel  M.  Troxell  and  sisters,  Sallie  J.  and 
Lizzie ;'  Mary  A.  (Hassinger)  Taylor ;  Rebecca  C.  Withrow  and  daughter, 
Eleanor  E. ;  Rosanna  Wilson  and  daughter,  Mary ;  Letitia  (Wakefield) 
Lutz;  Walter  S.  Wilson,  M.D.,  and  wife,  Alice,  and  daughters,  Mabel  I., 
Gertrude  C. ;  Jacob  R.  and  Sarah  Wirt  and  family,  Mary  B.,  Irene  E., 
John  O.,  George  H. ;  David  M.  and  Anna  Wirt  and  family,  Thomas  H. 
and  wife  Phcebe  R.  (Patterson).  Jacob  L.  and  wife  Emma  J.  (Kauffman); 
Clara  J.  Whitehead,  daughter  of  John ;  Ada  Bell  Wilson ;  John  C.  Wil- 
son and  daughter.  Bertha  LaRue ;  Jennie  E.  Wilson,  sister  of  J.  C.  and 
Dr.  W.  S. ;  Emma  M.  Wakefield,  daughter  of  G.  Miles  ;  Lucinda  Ziglar 
and  family,  Nettie,  William  O.     Total,  241. 

Sabbath-School.— The  Sabbath-school  was  organized  about  seventy- 
five  years  ago.  The  superintendents  preceding  the  one  now  in  office 
were  Nathaniel  Wilson,  William  E.  Erwin,  William  :Macklin,  and  Adam 

Leffard.     Only  the  last  mentioned  is  now  living. 

Sunday-School  Officers.—].  R.  Wirt,  superintendent;  James  Macklin, 

vice-superintendent;  S.  M.  Troxell,  secretarj^  and  treasurer;  J.  E.  S. 

Postlewaite,  assistant  secretar>';  Lyman  Pincin  and  Edmund  Conrad, 

librarians ;  Miss  Lizzie  L.  Ewing,  organist. 

Sunday -School  Teachers.— James,  G.  H.,  and  Mrs.  G.  H.  Macklin,  W. 

P.  Stevenson,  F.  F.  Sheaffer,  John  A.  Giant,  Carrie  M.  Ewing,  Mary  B. 

Wirt.     Primary  Department— Rebecca  W.  Patterson,  Mary  E.  Mateer, 

and  Annie  E.  Dunmire. 

Youu^  People's  Society.— 1\\.exe  has  been  a  flourishing  Young  People's 

Societ>'  since  Januarj-,  1S84.     Five  \-ears  ago  it  became  a  member  of 

the  Young  People's  Society  of  the  Christian  Endeavor  Union  of  Mifflin 

Count}'. 

For  many  years  there  has  been  an  efficient  Ladies'  Aid  Society. 

E.    H.    M.A.TEER. 

14 


2IO  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 


MADERA. 

There  was  preaching  service  held  at  Madera  in  connection  with  the 
Beulah  Church  ever  since  its  organization,  as  many  of  its  members  lived 
at  that  place.  These  services  were  held  in  the  school-house  and  in  a  hall 
until  they  dedicated  their  church  building,  September  22,  1889. 

As  the  two  towns  of  Madera  and  Ramey  were  three  miles  apart,  and 
the  congregations  entirely  distinct  from  each  other,  it  became  apparent  to 
the  members  of  Beulah  Church  living  at  Madera  that  they  could  better 
carry  on  the  Master's  work  if  they  had  their  own  separate  organization. 
Accordingly  eighty-six  persons,  seventy-six  of  them  members  of  Beulah 
Church,  petitioned  Presbyter}-,  at  an  adjourned  meeting  at  Bellwood, 
June  12,  1S94,  to  organize  them  into  a  separate  congregation.  Presby- 
tery appointed  Revs.  D.  K.  Freeman,  D.D.,  William  Prideaux,  S.  T. 
Lewis,  and  J.  E.  Giffen,  and  Elder  Peter  Cameron  a  committee  to  effect 
the  organization. 

The  committee  met  the  congregation  June  30,  1S94,  and  conducted 
the  business  they  were  appointed  to  perform.  There  were  eighty 
members  at  the  organization,  and  there  are  eighty-six  at  the  present 
time. 

James  Cornely,  Isaac  Hegarty,  T.  H.  Cupples,  and  Denton  Beeman 
were  elected  ruling  elders.  Elders  Comely  and  Hegarty  having  been 
elders  in  Beulah  Church,  they  were  installed,  and  the  next  day  Cupples 
and  Beeman  were  ordained  and  installed. 

Rev.  J.  E.  Giffen  was  called  as  pastor  for  half  his  time,  Beulah  retain- 
ing him  for  the  other  half.  Presbytery  enrolled  the  church  October  3, 
1894,  and  approved  the  call.    Mr.  Giffen  was  installed  November  9,  1894. 

J.  E.  Giffen. 


MANN'S  CHOICE. 


Previously  to  1878  this  cluirch  was  considered  as  a  part  of  the 
Schellsburg  Presbyterian  Church,  and  was  so  recorded  in  the  minutes  of 
the  General  Assembly.  An  application  was  made  to  Huntingdon  Pres- 
bytery, at  an  adjourned  meeting  held  in  Bedford  in  June  of  that  year,  for 
a  separate  organization.  On  August  7,  1878,  the  following  members  of 
the  committee  appointed  by  Presbytery  to  organize  a  church  at  Mann's 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HLXTIXGDON.  211 

Choice,  as  distinct  from  the  Schellsburg  Church,  were  present:  Minis- 
ters, Rev.  John  C.  Barr,  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Mathers,  and  Rev.  John  R. 
Henderson;  elders,  Mr.  Washabaugh,  Mr.  B.  R.  Henderson,  and  Mr. 
Robert  M.  Taylor.  A  quorum  of  the  Session  of  the  Schellsburg  Presby- 
terian Church  being  present,  a  meeting  was  held,  and  thirty-five  members, 
at  their  own  request,  were  dismissed  from  said  church  to  constitute  the 
Mann's  Choice  Presbyterian  Church. 

After  this  the  meeting  was  opened  with  prayer,  singing,  and  reading 
of  the  Scriptures.  Then  a  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers 
from  the  text  Second  Samuel,  23d  chapter  and  5th  verse.  After  the 
sermon  and  prayer  by  Rev.  W.  W.  Moorehead,  of  Blairville  Presbytery, 
the  Rev.  J.  C.  Barr  stated  the  object  of  the  meeting  and  proceeded 
to  organize  the  Mann's  Choice  Presbyterian  Church.  The  members 
were  addressed  by  Rev.  J.  C.  Barr,  and  asked  the  usual  questions,  to 
which  they  assented,  and,  after  a  short  prayer,  the  organization  was 
declared  effected.  The  new  organization  then  proceeded  to  elect  a 
board  of  ruling  elders  and  deacons.  After  a  short  address  by  Rev.  J.  C. 
Barr  on  the  authority  and  duties  of  elders  and  deacons,  Messrs.  John 
Sill,  Isaac  Clark,  Jr.,  and  James  A.  Sill  were  elected  elders,  and  Messrs. 
G.  Shannon  MuUin  and  James  Wertz  were  named  as  deacons.  These 
persons,  having  been  formerly  ordained  as  elders  and  deacons  in  the 
church  while  it  was  a  branch  of  the  Schellsburg  Church,  were  now  only 
installed  into  their  respective  offices.  After  this  a  board  of  trustees  were 
elected,  consisting  of  Messrs.  James  A.  Sill,  G.  Shannon  Mullin,  and 
James  Wertz.  The  meeting  was  then  closed  with  prayer  by  Rev.  J.  H. 
Mathers  and  the  benediction  by  Rev.  J.  C.  Barr. 

As  to  pastoral  care  this  church  has  alwajs  been  associated  with  the 

Schellsburg  Church. 

Is.\.\c  Clark. 


MAPLETON. 


It  was  an  interesting  providence  that  led  to  the  appointing  of  a  Pres- 
byterian preaching  service  in  the  village  of  Mapleton,  Huntingdon  County, 
Pennsylvania.  It  came  about  in  this  wise.  A  Mr.  Isaac  Miller,  who 
had  lived  within  the  bounds  of  Rev.  B.  E.  CoUins's  church  in  Shirleysburg, 
had  removed  to  Mapleton.  He  was  the  owner  of  a  shot-gun  which  Mr. 
Collins  had  been  in  the  habit  of  borrowing  occasionally  for  the  purpose 
of  hunting.     In  the  year  1858  Mr.  Collins  came  to  Mr.  Miller,  in  his  new 


212  THE    CEXTEXNIAL   AA'mVERSA/iy 

home  to  borrow  his  gun.  While  on  this  errand  at  Mapleton  he  became 
acquainted  with  Colonel  Donaldson,  the  ticket-agent  of  the  Pennsylvania 
■Railroad  at  that  place,  and  a  stanch  believer  in  the  doctrines  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  Through  his  influence  an  appointment  for  preach- 
ing was  made.  This  appointment  was  fulfilled  by  Mr.  Collins,  and  it 
led  to  his  statedly  preaching  at  this  place.  So  much  interest  was 
aroused  that  the  original  brick  church  was  erected  during  the  year  1861 
and  was  dedicated  in  the  fall  of  that  year.  A.  W.  Swope,  Esq.,  had 
charge  of  the  construction  of  this  building.  It  was  thirty  feet  by  thirty- 
six  feet  in  dimensions,  and  had  a  seating  capacity  of  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five. 

Mr.  Collins  continued  to  labor  here  until  the  year  1867,  with  such 
success  that  the  congregation  petitioned  Presbytery  for  a  separate  organi- 
zation in  the  spring  of  that  year.  A  committee  of  Presbytery,  consisting 
of  Rev.  B.  E.  Collins  and  Elder  Samuel  Brown,  of  Huntingdon,  was 
appointed  to  visit  the  field  and,  if  the  way  were  clear,  to  organize  a 
church.  The  committee  came  on  the  2d  of  May,  1867,  and  organized 
the  Mapleton  Presbyterian  Church,  with  thirteen  members.  Matthew  F. 
Campbell  and  Benjamin  F.  Kauffman  were  chosen  and  ordained  ruling 
elders.  The  family  names  represented  in  the  organization  were  Don- 
aldson, Campbell,  Gayton,  Kauffman,  Alexander,  Gettys,  and  Otluvaite. 

Mr.  Collins  continued  to  labor  in  this  field  until  April,  1S72,  as  a 
stated  supply.  His  labors  were  attended  with  much  success:  it  was  he 
who  laid  the  foundation  work  and  did  it  well.  It  was  through  his  instru- 
mentality that  this  church  was  organized  and  a  commodious  house  of 
worship  erected.  Those  still  living  who  sat  under  his  ministry  have  a 
warm  place  in  their  hearts  for  him.  For  thirteen  years  and  eight  months 
he  faithfully  preached  the  word  of  God  in  that  community. 

He  was  succeeded  in  the  work  in  this  church  by  Rev.  William 
Prideaux,  who  was  installed  pastor  on  June  25,  1872,  for  one-fourth  time. 
During  his  ministrj-,  in  April,  1873,  William  H.  Rex,  a  retired  minister 
of  the  Lutheran  Church,  was  ordained  and  installed  a  ruling  elder. 
From  his  past  experience  and  opportunities,  Mr.  Rex  proved  himself  to 
be  an  efficient  help  to  the  church.  On  the  21st  of  March,  1880,  A.  W. 
Swope,  Esq.,  was  ordained  and  installed  in  the  same  office.  Mr.  Swope 
is  clerk  of  Session,  and  has  for  many  years  been  the  faithful  treasurer  of 
this  church,  and  also  of  the  Sabbath-school. 

Mr.  Prideaux  continued  as  pastor  of  this  church  until  April,  18S2,  a 
period  of  teji  years.     He  presented  unto  them  the  gospel  in  its  clearness 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDON.  21  3 

and  fulness.  His  preaching  was  of  a  biblical  character.  He  devoted 
much  attention  to  the  study  of  the  word  of  God.  He  still  lives,  at  the 
advanced  age  of  eighty-two,  and  yet  preaches  with  vigor  and  power,  and 
delights  to  do  it.  His  Mapleton  friends,  and  he  has  not  a  few,  are  always 
glad  to  hear  him. 

Rev.  McKnight  Williamson  succeeded  him  as  stated  supply  for  six 
months,  and,  while  greatly  advanced  in  years,  he  yet  preached  with  much 
power.     His  has  been  a  long,  honored,  and  useful  ministry. 

Rev.  George  Elliott  was  appointed  stated  supply  in  April,  18S4,  for 
six  months.  His  residence  at  Orbisonia  made  it  inconvenient  for  him 
to  serve  that  church.  His  honored  ministry  was  suddenly  ended  and 
he  taken  to  his  reward  during  the  year  1895. 

Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell,  the  present  pastor,  commenced  preaching  to 
this  church  on  the  23d  of  November,  1884,  and  was  formally  installed 
pastor  on  May  i,  1885.  The  Session  was  enlarged  and  strengthened  by 
the  ordination  and  installation  of  Samuel  Hatfield  and  Benjamin  F.  Baker 
as  ruling  elders  on  September  13,  1885.  At  the  same  time  William  H. 
Barclay\nd  Watson  W.  Wright  were  ordained  and  installed  as  deacons. 
T.  Morris  Wood  and  Elmer  E.  Bell  were  ordained  and  installed  as 
deacons  on  December  4,  1 890. 

In  the  year  1889  the  church  building  was  rebuilt  and  enlarged  at  a 
cost  of  two  thousand  seven  hundred  dollars,  the  work  being  done  within 
five  months,  and  was  dedicated,  free  from  debt,  on  September  16  of  the 
same  year.  This  increased  its  seating  capacity  about  fifty  per  cent,  and 
gave  us  an  attractive  and  beautiful  house  in  which  to  worship  God.  The 
rebuilding  and  enlarging  of  the  church  edifice  added  greatly  to  the 
growth  and  prosperity  of  the  church.  Since  then  there  has  been  a  larger 
attendance  at  the  Sabbath-school  and  upon  the  regular  preaching  ser\ices. 
This  church  has  had  a  most  encouraging  growth  in  membership  since 
1884.  There  have  been  added  one  hundred  and  fort>--one  new  members, 
and  at  least  one  hundred  of  these  were  received  on  examination.  This 
church  enjoyed  gracious  revivals  during  the  years  1885,  1887,  1891, 
1893,  and  1894,  and  from  these  it  has  received  large  ingatherings.  The 
roll  of  membership  now  numbers  one  hundred  and  twelve. 

The  church  is  chartered,  and  has  a  board  of  trustees,  consisting  of 
William  H.  Rex,  Samuel  Hatfield,  and  T.  Morris  Wood.  J.  E.  Dysart 
is  the  present  superintendent  of  the  Sabbath-school,  and  A.  B.  Gillam  is 

assistant. 

D.wiD  H.  Campbell. 


214  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

MIDDLE   TUSCARORA. 

Supplies  were  first  sent  to  the  Upper  and  Middle  Tuscarora  Churches 
from  the  Carlisle  Presbytery  in  1790-91-92.  In  1800  this  arrangement 
ceased,  and  Middle  and  Lower  Tuscarora  Churches  united,  under  the 
pastorate  of  Rev.  John  Coulter.  He  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1774, 
licensed  to  preach  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  in  1798,  and  came 
as  a  missionary  to  Tuscarora  Valley  in  December,  1799. 

On  January  i,  1800,  he  preached  his  first  sermon.  He  was  ordained 
and  installed  August  14,  iSoi.  Middle  Tuscarora  Church  had  sixteen 
members  and  four  ruling  elders, — Joseph  Stewart,  Alexander  Work, 
Robert  Crone,  and  David  Hackendorn.  Three  hundred  and  fifty-seven 
members  were  added  to  the  church  during  the  thirtj'-three  years  of  Mr. 
■  Coulter's  ministry,  and  three  additional  elders  were  elected, — viz.,  James 
Anderson,  George  Stewart,  and  Samuel  Wallace.  Mr.  Coulter  died 
June  22,  1834,  aged  sixty  years.  He  started  the  first  Sunday-school 
and  was  the  first  temperance  advocate  in  the  valley. 

Middle  Tuscarora  now  became  a  separate  charge.  Rev.  James  M. 
Olmstead  became  pastor  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  November,  1834, 
and  continued  until  Januar}-  27,  1837.  During  his  ministry  Joseph  S. 
Laird  and  James  Coyle  were  elected  elders. 

Rev.  John  Flemming  was  installed  pastor  in  May,  1S41,  but  resigned 
in  1842.  On  the  13th  of  May,  1841,  John  Barton,  Thomas  Laughlin, 
and  John  Coulter,  Jr.,  were  elected  elders. 

October  5,  1843,  Rev.  Andrew  Jardine  was  installed  pastor  of  this 
church.  His  ministry  lasted  fifteen  years.  Three  hundred  and  eleven 
persons  were  added  to  the  church.  In  1844  the  old  church  building  at 
McCulloch's  Mills  was  rebuilt.     Mr.  Jardine  withdrew  in  1858. 

During  the  winter  of  1859-1860  Dr.  George  W.  Thompson  and  Dr. 
J.  J.  Hamilton  held  special  services  at  McCulloch's  Mills  for  six  weeks, 
and  sixty-two  persons  united  with  the  church,  and  some  thirty  others 
elsewhere.  Rev.  J.  J.  Hamilton  became  and  continued  pastor  from  May 
16,  i860,  until  June,  1862.  During  his  ministry  W.  L.  Beale,  Thomas 
Martin,  James  Smith,  and  John  Laird  were  elected  elders. 

Rev.  David  J.  Beale,  D.D.,  was  installed  pastor  August  11,  1864, 
exactly  sixty-three  years,  wanting  three  da}'s,  after  Rev.  John  Coulter, 
the  first  pastor.  He  was  the  sixth  in  succession.  During  his  ministry 
more  than  one  hundred  were  added  to  the  church.  The  brick  church  at 
East  Waterford  was  built.     He  also  organized  the  church  at  Peru.     At 


U^w^^ 


< 

a: 

O 


3 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDOX.  215 

this  time  E.  L.  Anderson.  W.  C.  Laird,  S.  McC.  Beak,  Absalom  Rice, 
and  David  R.  Barton'  were  elected  elders.     He  resigned  in  December, 

1868. 

The  seventh  pastor  was  Rev.  S.  S.  Wallen,  installed  August  4,  1870, 
resigned  in  187S.  On  January  14,  1 871,  Uriah  Wise,  James  Milliken, 
James  Louden,  and  Lemuel  Ramsey  were  installed  elders. 

Rev.    S.    A.   Davenport,  the  eighth  pastor,  was  installed  in  April, 
1880,  and    continued    until    October    i,   18S3,  when   he  was  called    - 
Ai.squith  Street   Church,  Baltimore,  Maryland.      During  this  ministry 
W.    C.  Laird,  having  returned  from    Mifflintown,  was   re-elected,  and 
Abram  Noss  and  John  Work  were  elected,  and  all  were  installed  elders. 

An  interval  of  six  and  a  half  years  followed  without  any  settled 
pastor,  when,  in  March,  1890,  Mr.  Davenport  was  re-elected  pastor,  in 
union  with  the  Lower  Tuscarora  Church  at  Academia.  He  was  in- 
stalled ninth  pastor  June  5,  1890.  During  this  period  the  church 
buildings  have  been  beautifully  renovated  in  their  interiors  at  McCul- 
loch's  Mills  and  East  Waterford.  During  a  revival  season  in  1S94-95 
forty- five  were  added  to  this  Middle  Tuscarora  charge. 

The  following  persons  have  gone  out  from  this  church  into  the 
gospel  ministry:  Rev.  James  Coulter,  Rev.  David  J.  Beale,  D.D.,  Rev. 
John  Laird,  Rev.  John  P.  Coyle,  and  Rev.  David  T.  Neely. 

The  present  membership  of  the  church  is  two  hundred  and  twenty. 

S.  A.  Davenport. 


MILESBURG. 


The  church  of  Milesburg  was  organized  March  5,  186S,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  action  of  Presbytery,  Rev.  A.  Yeomans,  moderator.  The 
persons  constituting  the  organization  were  all  members  of  the  Bellefonte 
Presbyterian  Church;  there  were  eighteen  in  all,  six  males  and  twelve 
females. 

James  Alexander  and  W.  M.  Holmes  were,  at  the  time  of  the  organi- 
zation, elected  and  ordained  the  first  elders.  Rev.  Prideaux  preached 
the  first  sermon  after  the  organization,  April  12,  1868.  W.  O.  Wright 
was  appointed  stated  supply  by  Presbytery  at  Milroy  April  15,  1868, 
preached  his  first  sermon  May  15,  1868,  and  was  installed  pastor  of 
Milesburg  Church  May  10,  1870.  Since  the  organization  one  hundred 
and  seventy-two  members  have  been  added,  fift)--nine  by  letter  and  one 


2l6  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

hundred  and  tliirteen  on  profession.  Baptisms,  one  hundred  and 
twenty-nine, — infants  ninety-seven,  and  adults  thirty-two  ;  marriages,  one 
hundred  and  forty-eight ;  funerals,  one  hundred  and  ninety-three. 

The  pastoral  relation  between  Rev.  W.  O.  Wright  and  the  church  of 
Milesburg  was  dissolved,  that  he  might  be  free  to  supply  the  churches 
of  Morrisdale  and  Kylertown,  at  Unionville,  Pennsylvania,  June  12, 
1S83.  After  an  absence  of  nine  and  a  half  months  he  returned  on  invita- 
tion to  Milesburg  Church,  April  30,  1884,  and  has  since  been  stated 
supply  thereof  for  one-half  the  time. 

About  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  Thursday,  June  21,  1888,  the 
Milesburg  Church  edifice  was  struck  b)'  lightning  and  burned  to  the 
ground.     There  was  no  insurance  on  the  building  at  the  time. 

October  8,  1888,  the  trustees  bought  a  property  with  a  parsonage  on 
it  for  two  thousand  dollars,  and  made  the  last  payment  of  nine  hundred 
dollars  November  8,  1888. 

January  10,  1892,  our  new  Milesburg  Church  was  opened  for  public 
worship,  and  has  been  in  use  ever  since,  but  it  is  not  dedicated,  because 
not  quite  finished.  The  church  is  insured  for  three  thousand  dollars, 
and  the  parsonage  for  two  thousand  dollars.  All  this  work  has  been 
done  since  October  8,  1888. 

W.  O.  Wright. 


MILROY. 


This  church  had  its  inception  in  the  troubles  in  the  church  of  East 
Kishacoquillas  caused  by  a  conflict  between  the  pastor,  the  Rev.  James 
Nourse,  and  a  majority  of  the  elders  and  members  of  the  congregation, 
on  the  subject  of  temperance,  Mr.  Nourse  taking  a  decided  stand  against 
the  manufacture  and  use  of  intoxicating  liquors.  An  earnest  effort  was 
made  by  Presbytery  to  harmonize  these  conflicting  parties.  Finally,  in 
the  interest  of  peace,  Mr.  Nourse  offered  his  resignation,  and  at  a  meet- 
ing of  the  Presbytery  in  Huntingdon  in  April,  1834,  the  pastoral  relation 
was  dissolved.  Presbytery  at  the  same  time  recommended  that  all  the 
elders  should  resign  and  a  new  board  be  elected.  A  committee,  com- 
posed of  the  Revs.  James  Linn,  Samuel  Wilson,  John  Peebles,  and 
Elders  John  Kerr  and  William  Hazlett,  was  appointed  to  visit  the 
church  to  carry  into  effect  the  recommendation  of  Presbytery,  and  with 
authorit)-,  if  all  efforts  for  harmony  failed,  to  organize  a  new  church. 


=2 
'XI 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  217 

This  committee,  with  the  exception  of  Rev.  John  Peebles,  met  at  East 
Kishacoquillas  on  August  12,  1S34.  The  majority  of  the  elders,  those 
opposed  to  Mr.  Nourse,  refused  to  resign. 

The  committee  then  proceeded  to  take  the  names  of  those  who  desired 
a  new  organization.  One  hundred  and  two  names  were  given.  The 
next  day,  August  13,  1834,  the  committee  organized  a  new  church,  to 
be  known  as  the  congregation  of  Perryville,  composed  of  seventy-seven 
members  from  East  Kishacoquillas  and  six  from  other  contiguous 
churches.  John  Beatty  and  Hugh  Alexander,  formerly  elders  of  East 
Kishacoquillas,  were  elected  and  installed  as  elders.  It  was  also  decided 
that  the  new  church  should  not  build  a  house  of  worship  within  three 
miles  of  the  old  church. 

The  church  of  Perryville  proceeded  at  once  to  make  out  a  call  for 
the  Rev.  James  Nourse,  their  former  pastor,  who  had  been  licensed  by 
the  Presbytery  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  ordained  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  and  received  by  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  June  8, 
1831.  This  call  was  presented  to  Presbytery  October  9,  and  was  ac- 
cepted by  iMr.  Nourse  October  30,  1834.  Rev.  James  Woods  and  Rev. 
David  Sterrett  were  appointed  a  committee  to  install  Mr.  Nourse  on  the 
first  Wednesday  of  December,  1834,  which  duty  they  accordingly  dis- 
charged, and  so  reported  to  Presbytery  April  7,  1835. 

The  congregation  built  a  plain  church  edifice  in  Perryville,  now 
Milroy,  in  1835,  at  a  cost  of  about  fifteen  hundred  dollars. 

Mr.  Nourse  remained  as  pastor  of  the  Perryville  Church  until  Octo- 
ber 2,  1849,  when  he  resigned,  on  account  of  bronchial  affection,  and 
the  pastoral  relation  was  dissolved.  During  the  autumn  and  winter  of 
1842-43  an  extensive  revival  of  religion  prevailed  in  this  congregation, 
as  the  result  of  which  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  persons  united  with 
the  church,  doubling  its  membership  and  greatly  increasing  their  piety 
and  spiritualit\-.  During  the  fifteen  years  of  Mr.  Nourse's  pastorate 
about  three  hundred  and  thirty  members  were  added  to  the  church. 

Rev.  Samuel  Lawrence,  who  had  been  licensed  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia  in  April,  1823,  ordained  by  the  same  in  November,  1824, 
and  received  by  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  on  June  II,  1850,  re- 
ceived and  accepted  a  call  from  this  church  June  11,  1850.  The  com- 
mittee appointed  to  install  him  were  Revs.  Richard  Curran  to  preach, 
D.  L.  Hughes  to  preside  and  to  charge  the  pastor,  and  Robert  Hamill 
to  charge  the  people.  This  committee  reported  at  the  October  meeting 
of  Presbytery  that  they  had  attended  to  the  duty  assigned  them.     Mr. 


2lS  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Lawrence  was  a  faithful  and  laborious  pastor.  As  the  result  of  his 
labors  one  hundred  and  forty-five  persons  were  added  to  the  member- 
ship of  the  church,  one  hundred  and  six  on  examination  and  thirty-nine 
on  certificate. 

On  April  ii,  1854,  at  the  request  of  the  church,  the  name  was 
changed  from  Perryville  to  Milroy. 

On  April  16,  1857,  the  pastoral  relation  between  Mr.  Lawrence  and 
the  church  of  Milroy  was  dissohed,  to  take  effect  on  April  19,  1857,  the 
church  acquiescing  and  promising  to  continue  his  salarj'  for  one  year. 
The  reason  assigned  was  that  the  Milroy  Church  might  unite  with  the 
church  of  East  Kishacoquillas  in  one  pastoral  charge.  An)'  efforts, 
however,  which  were  made  for  this  purpose  proved  failures. 

Rev.  John  W.  White,  who  had  been  licensed  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Blairsville  in  April,  1854,  and  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  on 
Christmas  evening,  1855,  received  a  call  from  the  church  of  Milroy, 
which  was  forwarded  to  him  from  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  to  the 
Presbytery  of  Carlisle  in  April,  1858.  After  some  weeks  of  prayerful 
consideration  he  accepted  this  call,  commenced  work,  and  was  received 
by  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  at  its  June  meeting  in  Tyrone.  The 
committee  of  installation  were  Revs.  O.  O.  McClean  to  preach  and 
preside,  James  Williamson  to  cliarge  the  pastor,  and  David  Sterrett 
to  charge  the  people.  The  committee  performed  the  duty  assigned 
on  August  20,  1858.  Mr.  White  remained  as  pastor  of  the  church  for 
over  twenty-five  years.  During  the  first  year  of  his  pastorate  the  roll  of 
church  members  was  revised  by  him  and  Dr.  Samuel  Maclay,  and  over 
one  hundred  persons  who  could  not  be  accounted  for  were  marked 
absent  and  thus  practically  dropped. 

In  i860  the  congregation  built  a  neat  brick  chapel  at  Siglcrville, 
three  miles  east  of  Milroy,  at  a  cost  of  about  seventeen  hundred  dollars, 
and  from  that  time  public  worship  was  regularly  held  there  every 
Sabbath,  instead  of  at  different  school-houses  and  the  Salem  and  Lock's 
Mills  churches  as  theretofore. 

The  same  year  the  congregation  bought  a  parsonage  at  a  cost  of 
fifteen  hundred  dollars,  which  they  enlarged  and  improved  in  1864 
at  an  additional  cost  of  about  eighteen  hundred  dollars.  In  1870 
they  also  enlarged  and  improved  the  church  at  Milroy  at  a  cost  of  about 
four  thousand  dollars.  The  church  during  this  pastorate  made  it  a  rule 
to  make  contributions  to  all  the  boards  of  the  church  and  to  have  no 
blanks  in  the  Assembly  Minutes. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  219 

During  the  same  period  there  were  many  times  of  gracious  revival; 
some  of  them  were  seasons  of  great  power,  in  which  the  aged  as  well  as 
the  young  were  hopefully  converted  and  brought  into  the  church.  At 
one  time  especially  many  persons  over  sixty  years  of  age  united  with  the 
church,  and  quite  a  number  of  them  were  baptized,  among  whom  were 
five  men  who  had  formerly  been  tavern-keepers. 

During  Mr.  White's  pastorate  four  hundred  and  thirty-five  persons 
united  with  the  church,  most  of  them  on  confession  of  their  faith  in 
Christ.  Also  eight  members  of  this  congregation  entered  the  ministry 
of  the  gospel,  and  now,  in  1895,  they  are  all  actively  engaged  in  the 
work  of  their  calling.  These  are  S.  T.  Thompson,  who  united  with  this 
church  on  certificate  from  East.  Kishacoquillas,  William  Gemmill,  James 
M.  Nourse,  George  A.  Landis,  J.  Vernon  Bell,  A.  F.  Alexander,  James 
Sample,  and  Hugh  McClintic.  Of  these  George  A.  Landis  entered  the 
foreign  missionary  work  in  Brazil,  where  he  is  still  laboring.  The  first 
six  are  Presbyterians;  the  two  latter  are  Evangelical  Lutheran  ministers. 

In  1875,  Miss  Frances  E.  Harshbarger,  a  member  of  the  church, 
went  as  a  missionary  to  China,  where  she  married  the  Rev.  John  Butler, 
of  the  Presb\'tery  of  Hingpo,  who  died  some  years  after  of  cholera, 
while  they  were  on  their  way  to  a  meeting  of  Presbytery.  About  two 
years  ago  Mrs.  Butler,  on  account  of  declining  health,  returned  to  this 
country,  and  she  now  resides  at  Tacoma,  Washington. 

This  church  was  greatly  weakened  by  the  failure  of  many  of  its  most 
liberal  supporters  in  the  financial  crisis  of  1873,  and  afterwards  by 
the  large  emigration  of  its  members  to  the  Western  States.  Many 
of  these  persons  are  still  actively  engaged  in  Christian  work  as  elders, 
deacons,  Sunday-school  superintendents,  and  teachers  in  the  churches 
where  they  now  reside. 

On  September  6,  1883,  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  decided  that 
some  of  Mr.  White's  doctrinal  beliefs  should  not  be  preached  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  whereupon,  with  the  pursuasion  of  the  Presbytery, 
he  cheerfully  withdrew  from  the  Presbyterian  ministry,  and  thus  ceased 
to  be  pastor  of  the  church.  This  had  a  serious  influence  on  the  Milroy 
congregation.  While  Mr.  White  intended  to  move  away,  yet  so  earnest 
and  persistent  was  the  call  for  him  to  remain  and  preach  that  he  finally 
consented  to  do  so.  Thus  this  church  was  greatly  weakened  by  the 
withdrawal  of  a  considerable  portion  of  the  congregation. 

Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace,  D.D.,  became  the  stated  supply  of  this  church 
in  the  spring  of  1884,  and  so  remained  until  October,  1894.     During  his 


220  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

ministry  forty-six  persons  were  received  into  the  communion  of  the 
church,  twentj'-seven  on  examination  and  nineteen  on  certificate,  thus 
about  making  up,  in  a  somewhat  difficult  field,  for  the  losses  sustained 
during  the  same  time.  The  number  of  members  reported  in  1885  was 
fiftj^-three,  and  the  number  reported  in  1895  is  fifty. 

The  future  of  this  church  now  depends  on  unforeseen  contingencies. 

The  elders  of  this  church  have  been  as  follows :  Hugh  Alexander, 
John  Beaty,  Brown  Maclay,  Robert  Thompson,  Dr.  Samuel  Maclay, 
Davis  Bates,  George  W.  Crissman,  John  M.  Bell,  S.  T.  Thompson,  J.  C. 
McNitt,  W.  C.  McCleahan,  Ira  Thompson,  James  Aitkens,  J.  J.  Aitkens, 
Albert  Thompson,  and  J.  C.  Wilson.  The  two  latter  are  the  present 
elders.     One-half  of  the  whole  number  have  departed  this  life. 

J.  W.  White. 


MOSHANNOX   AND   SNOW   SHOE. 

MosH.-VNNON  Church  was  organized  September  25,  1S52,  with  seven- 
teen persons,  by  letter, — eleven  from  Bellefonte  Church,  two  from  HoUi- 
daysburg  Church,  three  from  Lick  Run  Church,  and  one  from  Washington 
Church.  Rev.  James  Linn,  D.D.,  of  Bellefonte,  conducted  the  service 
after  preaching.  On  the  same  day  James  Marshall  and  James  Gilliland 
were  elected  and  ordained  the  first  elders. 

About  1869  the  church  building  at  Snow  Shoe  City  came  to  be  used 
as  part  of  the  Moshannon  Church,  and  since  then  both  constitute  the 
Moshannon  and  Snow  Shoe  Church. 

Rev.  W.  O.Wright  was  installed  pastor  of  the  INIoshannon  and  Snow 
Shoe  Church  May  10,  1870,  in  connection  with  the  Milesburg  Church, 
giving  each  one-half  of  his  time,  until  June  12,  1883.  He  served  the 
churches  of  Morrisdale  and  Kylertown  as  stated  supply  nine  months  and 
sixteen  days,  returned  to  Milesburg  April  30,  1884,  and  served  Lick 
Run  and  Hublersburg  Churches  in  connection  with  Milesburg  (one-half 
time  to  each)  up  to  September  30,  1890,  when  he  returned  and  gave 
one-half  of  his  time  to  Moshannon  and  Snow  Shoe  Church  up  to  date 
as  stated  supply. 

Moshannon  and  Snow  Shoe  Church  has  enrolled  since  1852  about 
three  hundred  and  fifty  members;  baptized  one  hundred  and  seventy 
persons,  thirty-four  adults  and  one  hundred  and  forty-six  infants.  Mar- 
riages, twenty-seven  only  on  roll,  and  deaths,  forty-six.     Whole  number 


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PASTORS. 


OF   THE    PHESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  221 

of  members  at  date,  fifty-two,  of  whom  twenty-one  have  been  added 
since  April  i,  1S94, — eighteen  on  profession  and  three  by  letter. 

Both  church  buildings  have  been  renovated  within  the  last  two  years. 

W.  O.  Wright. 


MOUNT  UNION. 


This  church  had  its  beginning  as  an  outpost  of  the  Shirleysburg 
Church.     Rev.  Britton  E.  Collins  became  stated  supply  of  that  church 
in  the  autumn  of  1839.     From  that  as  a  centre  he  went  forth,  as  oppor- 
tunity presented  itself,  to  preach   the  gospel  and  plant  the  Presbyterian 
Church.     He  was  one  of  the  most  faithful,  hard-working,  and  poorly- 
paid  ministers  in  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  in  his  day.     He  wrought 
a  work  of  inestimable  value,  and  one  that  will  ever  redound  to  his  honor. 
Mr.  Collins  began  preaching  in  this  community  some  time  in  the  year  of 
1845.     There  were  but  few  people  here  at  that  time,  and  yet  there  were 
those  who  desired  the  gospel,  and  he  was  willing  to  serve  them.     The 
services  were  held  in  a  stone  school-house  that  stood  near  where  the 
Methodist  church  now  stands.     They  were  much  appreciated  and  greatly 
enjoyed  by  those  who  attended  upon  them,  and  continued  to  grow  in 
interest.     This  is  seen  in  the  fact  that  in  the  year  1849  a  frame  building 
was  erected  at  a   cost  of  five  hundred  dollars,  on  a  lot  now  adjoining 
property  of  James  M.  Shaver,  which  is  still  standing,  being  now  used  as 
a  dwelling-house,  and  was  formally  dedicated  the  same  year.     That  was 
a  glad  day  to  the  few  Presbyterians  of  this  community.     Here  the  gospel 
was    faithfully   proclaimed    at    stated    times,    and  the   sacraments    were 
administered  by  this  pioneer  preacher,  who  laid  well  the  foundations  of 
what  the  present  congregation   enjoy,  and  who  continued  to  minister 
unto  this  people  until  April,  1855. 

Rev.  George  W.  Shaiffer  succeeded  Mr.  Collins,  and  became  pastor 
of  the  Shirleysburg  Church  in  the  spring  of  1855.  He  at  once  took  up 
the  work  that  had  been  well  begun  in  this  place,  and  statedly  preached 
with  much  acceptance  and  profit.  The  field  developed  slowly,  and  yet 
surely.  In  the  latter  part  of  his  ministry  here  it  became  evident  that  an 
independent  organization  was  both  wise  and  desirable.  Therefore,  upon 
an  application  to  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  in  April,  1865,  for  an 
independent  organization  to  be  known  as  the  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Mount  Union,  a  committee,  consisting  of  Revs.  George  W.  Shaiffer, 


222  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

James  C.  Mahon,  and  David  D.  Clarke,  was  appointed  to  visit  this  field 
on  the  2d  of  May,  1865,  and,  if  the  way  be  clear,  organize  a  church. 
The  committee  came  and,  finding  the  way  clear,  organized  this  church 
on  the  above  date  with  fourteen  members,  namely,  Peter  R.  Shaver,  Mrs. 
Margaret  Shaver,  J.  A.  J.  Postlethwaite,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  J.  Postlethwaite, 
Mrs.  Eva  Bare,  Mrs.  Rhoda  E.  Flasher,  Mrs.  Eliza  Ruling,  Mrs.  Jane 
Shaver,  Mrs.  Malinda  Sechler,  Mrs.  Lucy  Simons,  ^Irs.  Keziah  Snyder, 
Mrs.  Catharine  McKinstrj',  John  Pollock  and  wife,  who  were  received 
by  certificate  from  the  Shirleysburg  and  other  churches.  ^Ir.  J.  A.  J. 
Postlethwaite  was  chosen  and  ordained  a  ruling  elder,  which  position  he 
filled  with  abilit)-  and  acceptance  for  nearly  tvvelve  years.  He  rendered 
efficient  help  to  this  congregation  for  years  prior  to  its  organization.  He 
removed  to  Altoona,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  was  in  communion  with  the 
Second  Presbyterian  Church,  in  whose  fellowship  he  spent  the  remaining 
years  of  his  life,  and  where  he  passed  peacefully  to  his  reward  in  the 
year  1879,  October  19.  Mr.  Shaiffer  continued  to  minister  unto  this 
congregation  until  April,  1866,  almost  a  year  after  the  organization  was 
effected,  when  his  connection  with  this  church  and  that  of  Shirleysburg 
was  severed  by  action  of  Presbytery.  His  ministn,'  continued  for  eleven 
years.  He  faithfully  sowed  the  seed  and  cared  for  the  flock  over  whom 
he  had  been  made  overseer.  He  is  still  kindly  remembered  by  those 
who  sat  under  his  ministry.  He  is  yet  living,  and  his  post-office  address 
is  Alhambra,  California. 

Rev.  Cochrane  Forbes,  a  returned  missionary,  commenced  his  labors 
with  this  church  in  connection  with  the  Shirleysburg  Church  in  October, 
1866.  It  was  in  his  ministry  that  it  was  decided  to  build  a  more  com- 
modious and  stately  building  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Shirley  and 
Division  Streets.  This  building  was  erected  in  the  years  of  1866-67,  ^^  ^ 
cost  of  four  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  and  was  formally  dedicated  in 
November,  1867. 

Peter  R.  Shaver  and  James  Mackey,  M.D.,  were  ordained  to  the  office 
of  ruling  elder  in  1866.  Dr.  Mackey  remained  only  a  few  years  with 
the  church  and  then  removed  to  the  West.  Mr.  Shaver  was  a  faithful, 
efficient,  and  acceptable  ruling  elder  for  almost  twenty-eight  years.  He 
has  left  an  impression  for  good  on  this  community.  At  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty  years,  ten  months,  and  twenty-three  days  he  suddenly 
passed  into  the  Master's  presence  on  Saturda>-  morning.  May  5,  1894. 

It  was  in  the  spring  of  1866  that  the  Sabbath-school  was  organized 
in  the  old  frame  church.     Mr.  Forbes  continued  faithfully  to  serve  this 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUXTIXGDON:  223 

people  until  April,  1S70,  when  he  felt  compelled  to  relinquish  the  work 
here  that  he  might  return  to  the  foreign  field  and  take  up  again  the  work 
there  which  he  had  been  compelled  to  lay  down  on  account  of  ill  health. 
But  while  on  his  way  to  return  he  was  suddenly  stricken  down  in  Phila- 
delphia, where  he  died.  His  heart  was  in  the  foreign  work,  but  he  was 
not  permitted  to  return  to  it.     His  labors  ended  suddenly. 

Rev.  S.  W.  Pomeroy  was  called  to  this  church  in  connection  with 
that  of  Newton  Hamilton  in  the  spring  of  187 1.  He  entered  upon  his 
duties  on  the  1st  of  J\Ia>-,  and  was  duly  installed  as  pastor  on  the  24th  of 
the  following  August,  for  a  part  of  his  time.  He  entered  upon  his  work 
here  under  auspicious  circumstances,  and  had  the  cordial  support  of  the 
people.  The  Session  was  strengthened  on  the  17th  of  March,  1873,  by 
the  ordination  of  Thomas  A.  Appleby  and  Dr.  William  A.  Hunter  to  the 
office  of  ruling  elder.  Mr.  Pomeroy  resided  in  Newton  Hamilton  until 
the  spring  of  1878,  when  his  relation  to  that  church  ceased  by  action 
of  Presbytery.  Then  he  removed  to  Mount  Union  and  occupied  the 
parsonage,  which  was  a  most  generous  gift  of  Mrs.  Mary  Brewster,  by 
will,  at  her  death  on  March  19,  1876,  to  the  Mount  Union  Presbyterian 
Church  and  congregation,  to  be  a  home  for  their  pastor.  This  church 
should  ever  hold  dear  the  memory  of  this  sainted  mother,  who  had  them 
in  such  kind  remembrance. 

In  the  year  1878  a  connection  with  the  Shirleysburg  Church  was 
again  effected.  The  church  building  was  repaired  and  remodelled  in  the 
years  1882-83  at  a  cost  of  about  three  thousand  dollars,  and  rededicated 
July  9,  1883.  Mr.  Pomeroy  continued  pastor  until  April,  1884,  a  period 
of  thirteen  years.  In  that  time  one  hundred  and  seventy  new  members 
were  added  to  the  church,  which  increased  the  membership  from  twenty- 
five  to  one  hundred  and  eleven  ;  the  Sabbath-school  roll  was  increased 
from  seventy-five  to  one  hundred  and  sixty-six;  and  the  contributions 
amounted  to  ten  thousand  two  hundred  and  thirty-six  dollars. 

The  years  of  1872,  1875,  1878,  and  1S83  were  especially  marked  as 
revival  years,  and  witnessed  large  additions  to  the  membership.  He 
was  a  faithful  and  earnest  minister  of  the  gospel  to  this  people  and  ren- 
dered the  church  good  service,  and  still  has  many  warm  friends  in  this 
congregation  and  community.  He  was  compelled  to  resign  on  account 
of  ill  health.  He  is  at  present  pastor  of  the  church  of  Bald  Eagle  and 
Nitany  Valley,  in  the  Presbytery  of  Northumberland,  and  resides  at  Mill 
Hall,  Pennsylvania. 

Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell,  the  present  pastor,  succeeded  him  in  the  pas- 


224  "^'^^    CEA'TENAJAL   AANIVERSARY 

torate  of  this  churcli,  and  entered  upon  tlie  work  in  November,  18S4. 
He  was  duly  installed  pastor  on  the  25th  of  the  same  month,  for  one- 
half  time,  in  connection  with  the  churches  of  Shirleysburg  and  Mapleton. 
He  was  cordially  received  into  the  congregation  and  community  and 
has  had  the  heany  support  and  co-operation  of  the  people.  The  work 
has  steadily  gone  forward.  Two  hundred  and  twenty-two  new  members 
have  been  added  to  the  church,  and  the  membership  has  grown  from 
one  hundred  and  eleven  to  two  hundred  and  twelve.  The  Sabbath- 
school  has  gradually  increased  in  numbers  and  in  interest  and  has  an 
enrolled  membership  of  two  hundred  and  thirty-four,  with  an  average 
attendance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-six.  It  has  a  faithful  body  of  offi- 
cers and  teachers,  of  whom  T.  A.  Appleby  is  superintendent  and  R.  J. 
Faust  assistant  superintendent,  which  positions  they  have  well  filled  for 
years.  The  church  has  grown  in  liberality,  and  has  contributed  over 
fifteen  thousand  dollars  since  the  fall  of  1SS4.  The  years  of  1885,  1887, 
1 89 1,  1893,  and  1894  were  especially  marked  as  revival  years,  and  were 
seasons  of  large  ingatherings  into  the  church. 

The  Session  has  been  enlarged  and  its  efficiency  increased  by  tlie  in- 
stallation and  ordination  of  William  G.  Ewing,  I.  Newton  Taylor,  and 
Benjamin  C.  Wharton  to  the  office  of  ruling  elder  on  February  i,  1891. 
The  clerk  of  Session  is  Elder  T.  A.  Appleby. 

An  active  Christian  Endeavor  Society  was  organized  in  the  fall  of 
1 89 1  and  is  doing  good  work,  and  at  present  is  under  the  leadership  of 
William  G.  Ewing.  The  church  has  a  prosperous  Woman's  Missionary 
Society  with  Mrs.  M.  R.  Adams  as  president,  and  two  live  Mission 
Bands  in  charge  of  Mrs  A.  H.  Campbell.  There  is  also  a  Young  Ladies' 
Mission  Band.  Since  May  i,  1892,  this  church  has  been  associated  in 
pastoral  relation  with  Newton  Hamilton  and  Mapleton  Churches,  that 
a  better  grouping  of  the  churches  in  this  part  of  Pre.sbytery  might  be 
made.     This  is  a  natural  relation. 

The  church  is  chartered,  and  its  board  of  trustees  is  composed  of 
Messrs.  R.  J.  Faust,  W.  T.  Bell,  and  A.  S.  Welch,  with  J.  Bruce  Davis 
as  treasurer.  The  property  consists  of  an  excellent  two-story  wooden 
church  building,  having  a  well  arranged  Sabbath-school  room,  with  an 
advanced  and  primary  department,  and  a  fine  audience  room  capable  of 
seating  about  three  hundred,  and  also  a  well-arranged  and  convenient 
two-story  brick  parsonage,  which  during  the  past  year  has  been  enlarged 
and  improved  by  a  two-story  brick  addition. 

This  church  has  done  and  is  doing  a  good  work,  and  is  exerting  a 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  22$ 

wholesome  and  beneficent  influence  in  this  entire  community.  It  is  a 
bulwark  against  evil  and  a  champion  for  the  right.  It  is  located  in  a 
pleasant  and  attractive  borough,  having  a  population  of  about  eleven 
hundred,  and  which  has  not  permitted  a  license  bar  to  sell  intoxicating 
liquors  within  its  bounds  for  more  than  ten  years.  This  church  has  had 
much  to  do  in  helping  to  bring  about  this  most  desirable  state  of  affairs. 
She  has  been  loyal  to  the  truth  and  firm  for  the  right. 

David  H.  Campbell. 


NEWTON    HAMILTON. 

The  first  Presbyterian  preaching  service  at  Newton  Hamilton  was 
probably  about  the  year  1830.  It  was  in  that  year  that  Rev.  John 
Peebles  gave  up  his  charge  at  Alexandria.  After  this  or  during  that 
portion  of  his  time  he  "  labored  successively  at  the  villages  of  Newton 
Hamilton  and  Williamsburg."  He  labored  here  successfully  in  the  year 
1831.  The  first  preaching  here  statedly  was  most  probably  by  Revs.  John 
Peebles  and  James  S.  Woods.  Mr.  Woods,  who  was  pastor  at  Waynes- 
burg  (now  McVeytown)  Church,  preached  here  statedly  for  some  years 
prior  to  the  year  1837,  when  Lewistown  took  his  full  time. 

Services  were  at  first  held  in  private  houses.  The  home  of  John 
McNaer,  an  elder  of  the  Waynesburg  Church,  who  removed  to  the  place 
where  Henry  Sayers  now  lives,  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  north  of 
the  town,  was  so  used.  Afterwards  a  building  in  the  process  of  con- 
struction, a  little  farther  north  and  near  the  home  of  William  Vanzandt, 
was  used  for  some  time.  The  old  church  was  built  about  the  year  1836 
or  1837.  Those  two  godly  men,  Messrs.  Woods  and  Peebles,  were  largely 
instrumental  in  preparing  the  way  for  the  organization  of  this  church. 
There  was  such  a  strong  desire  for  a  separate  organization  that  Presby- 
tery was  petitioned  in  the  spring  of  1838  for  an  organization  at  this 
place.  In  response  to  this  request  a  committee,  consisting  of  Revs.  John 
Peebles  and  James  S.  Woods,  was  appointed  to  organize  the  said  church 
if  the  way  be  clear.  They  visited  this  field  on  the  1st  day  of  May,  1838, 
and,  finding  the  way  clear,  organized  the  Newton  Hamilton  Presbyterian 
Church  with  thirty-eight  members. 

Samuel  Wharton,  John  McNaer,  and  Hugh  Wilson  were  chosen 
ordained  ruling  elders.  The  church  soon  after  called  Benjamin  Carrell, 
a  licentiate,  and  he  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  of  this  church  by 

IS 


226  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Presbytery  on  December  2i,  1838,  for  a  part  of  his  time  in  connection 
with  the  Waynesburg  (McVeytown)  Church.  This  pastorate  continued 
with  great  satisfaction  and  much  profit  to  the  church  until  October  22, 
1844,  when,  on  account  of  ill  health,  he  was  released.  His  ministry  was 
richly  blessed  to  this  church  and  community.  He  received  to  the  mem- 
bership of  the  church  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  new  members,  and 
all  were  received  on  examination  except  twenty-seven.  The  year  1843 
was  especially  marked  by  a  most  gracious  revival,  when  about  forty 
members  were  added  to  the  church. 

Mr.  Carrell  was  in  the  spring  of  1845  succeeded  by  Rev.  Peter  Has- 
singer,  whose  pastorate  continued  until  the  spring  of  1849.  His  min- 
istry was  not  attended  with  any  large  additions  to  the  church.  He 
faithfully  sowed  the  seed.  The  Session  was  enlarged  and  strengthened 
in  the  early  part  of  his  ministry  by  the  election,  ordination,  and  installa- 
tion of  David  Coeland,  Winchester  McCarthy,  and  Benjamin  Norton  to 
the  office  of  ruling  elders.  The  latter  took  place  on  December  21, 
1S45. 

Rev.  David  Sterrett  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  this  church  in  the 
latter  part  of  the  year  1849,  and  was  installed  on  January  18,  1850,  and 
it  continued  a  successful  pastorate  until  October  2,  1855,  when  Presby- 
tery dissolved  the  relation.  During  his  ministry  one  hundred  and 
twenty  new  members  were  added  to  the  church.  He  was  an  unusually 
spiritual-minded  and  devout  minister  of  the  gospel.  The  years  of  1 851 
and  1854  witnessed  most  gracious  revivals  that  greatly  strengthened  the 
church.  David  Jenkins  and  Carson  McDowell  were  ordained  ruling 
elders  on  January  17,  1851.  Mr.  Jenkins  lived  to  the  advanced  age  of 
ninety-three  years,  five  months,  and  two  days,  having  been  born  in  the 
year  1800. 

Rev.  David  D.  Clarke  was  installed  pastor  by  Presbytery  on  June  3, 
1856.  After  a  most  successful  pastorate  of  nearly  ten  years  he  was 
suddenly  stricken  down,  and  died  December  31,  1865.  His  death  was  a 
great  loss  to  this  people.  He  was  greatly  beloved  by  them  and  deeply 
mourned  in  his  death.  He  was  an  earnest,  devoted,  and  godly  man,  an 
excellent  pastor,  and  a  faithful  preacher  of  the  gospel.  During  his  min- 
istry fifty-six  new  members  were  added  to  the  church.  The  Session  was 
enlarged  by  the  ordination  of  C.  Bower  in  May,  i860,  and  of  D.  A. 
Postlethwaite  and  Robert  L.  Gamble  in  October,  1862.  Rev.  S.  C. 
McCune  became  pastor  on  the  19th  of  June,  1866,  and  the  relation  was 
dissolved  May  i,  1869.     It  was  during  his  ministry  that  the  present  fine 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON  22/ 

brick  church  was  built  at  a  cost  of  seven  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 
It  has  a  seating  capacity  of  three  hundred. 

This  was  Mr.  McCune's  work  in  this  church,  and  it  still  speaks 
to  his  credit.  Samuel  Coulter  was  installed  and  ordained  a  ruling  elder 
in  May,  1864. 

Rev.  Thaddeus  McRea  entered  upon  the  work  here  on  the  19th 
of  July,  1869,  and  continued  pastor  until  McVeytown  became  a  separate 
charge  in  1870,  when  his  whole  time  was  given  to  that  church.  The 
Session  was  again  enlarged  and  strengthened  by  the  installation  and 
ordination  of  Abram  Aurand,  Dr.  James  R.  Taylor,  Felix  Norton,  and 
North  A.  Postlethwaite  to  the  office  of  ruling  elder  in  1870. 

Rev.  S.  W.  Pomeroy  accepted  a  call  to  this  church,  and  entered  upon 
the  work  May  i,  1871,  in  connection  with  the  Mount  Union  Church,  and 
was  installed  for  two-thirds  of  his  time  as  pastor  on  August  19,  1871. 
His  pastorate  continued  until  the  spring  of  1878,  when  the  relation  was 
dissolved    by  action   of  Presbytery.     During   his    ministry  ninety-nine 
new  members,  all  but  twenty-three  on  examination,  were  added  to  the 
church.     The    year    1874   was    especially    marked    as    a    revival    year. 
During  the  early  part  of  that  year. a  large  addition  was  made  to  the 
membership.     The   church    was    supplied   by    Rev.    N.    Foster   Brown 
for  six  months  from  October,  1878,  and  he  was  installed  pastor  on  April 
10,  1879,  which  relation  continued  until  April,  1882.     The  church  was 
then    united    in  pastoral    relation  with   the   Petersburg   Church.     Rev. 
Preston  Barr  was  installed  for  one-half  time  in  October,  1882,  with  the 
above  connection.     He  remained  pastor  until  April,  1884,  when  he  was 
released  that  he  might  accept  a  call  elsewhere.     For  a  little  more  than 
two  years  the  church  was  without  a  pastor,  and  had  to  depend  upon 
supplies  from  Presbytery.     Rev.  George  Elliott  was  installed  pastor  on 
November  11,  1884,  for  one-half  time  in  connection  with  Orbisonia,  and 
served  them  with  much  acceptance  until  January   I,   1887,  when,  with 
regret  on  the  part  of  the  people,  the  relation  was  dissolved.     Then  the 
Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell,  of  Mount  Union,  was  called,  but  was  compelled  to 
decline.     Rev.  J.  C.  Oliver  supplied  the  pulpit  with  very  great  acceptance 
from    April,    1887,   for   six    months.     Samuel    Ewing    and    James     D. 
Postlethwaite  were  ordained  and  installed  ruling  elders  on  June  30,  1878, 
and  James  A.  Dysart  on  December  19  of  the  same  year.     Rev.  J.  J.  Wolf 
became  pastor  in    June,   1888,  and  remained  such   until  October,  18S9. 
Mr.  VV.  G.  Finney,  a  student  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  was  an  ac- 
ceptable supply  during  the  summer  of  1 891.     Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell, 


228  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

having  again  been  called  to  this  pastorate,  accepted  the  call,  and  was  in- 
stalled pastor  on  May  12,  1892,  for  one-fourth  of  his  time  in  connection 
with  the  churches  of  Mount  Union  and  Mapleton.  During  the  present 
pastorate  forty  new  members  have  been  added  on  examination  and  seven- 
teen on  certificate  to  the  church  ;  the  lecture  and  Sabbath-school  room 
has  been  handsomely  remodelled,  repapered,  and  refurnished,  at  a  cost  of 
seven  hundred  dollars,  and  about  two  thousand  two  hundred  dollars 
have  been  contributed  by  the  congregation.  The  relation  between  pastor 
and  people  is  pleasant  and  cordial,  and  the  church  is  in  an  encouraging 
condition.  It  has  an  active  membership  of  one  hundred  and  thirty.* 
The  Sabbath-school  has  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  members  enrolled, 
and  is  doing  well  under  the  superintendency  of  Elder  Samuel  Ewing. 

It  has  a  live  Christian  Endeavor  Society,  with  Harris  Postlethwaite 
as  president,  and  efficient  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  m  charge  of  Mrs.  D.  C. 
Nipple.  The  church  is  chartered,  and  the  board  of  trustees  are  Colonel 
D.  B.  Jenkins,  C.  I.  Fuller,  and  S.  S.  Bratton,  with  Lambert  V.  Postle- 
thwaite  as  treasurer.  ^^^^^  ^^  Campbell. 


ORBISONIA. 


This  church  was  organized  in  1873,  with  twenty-three  members; 
there  are  now,  1895,  eighty-nine  members.  For  many  years  prior  to 
their  organization  the  Presbyterians  of  this  congregation  had  their  own 
place  of  worship  in  Orbisonia,  but  held  their  membership  in  the  parent 
church  at  Shirleysburg. 

The  following  pastors  of  the  Shirleysburg  charge  preached  at  Orbi- 
sonia as  an  outpo.st:  Rev.  Britton  E.  Collins,  Rev.  G.  W.  Shaeffer,  Rev. 
Cochrane  Forbes,  Rev.  Samuel  C.  Alexander,  Rev.  William  Prideaux. 

The  ministers  that  have  served  this  church  since  its  organization  are 
Rev.  William  Prideaux,  S.S.,  1873-1877;  Rev.  R.  A.  Watson,  S.S.,  1877- 
1878;  Rev.  John  D.  Owens,  P.,  1879-1882  ;  Rev.  Geo.  Elliott,  P.,  1884- 
1886;  Rev.  J.  J.  Wolff,  P.,  1888-18S9;  Rev.  W.  G.  Finney,  P.,  1892. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  ciders :  John  C.  Bolinger  and  Calvin 
Noble,  1873  ;  James  M.  Rankin,  1877  ;  James  Hileman,  Johnston  Archey, 

*The  year  1893  was  especially  marked  as  a  revival  year.  During  the  month  of  March  of 
that  year  thirty-four  united  with  the  chvirch  on  examination,  the  most  of  whom  wore  heads  of 
families. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  229 

and  Solomon  Coons,  1884;  James  Yeater  and  Benjamin  F.  Wilson, 
1892.  The  present  elders  are  James  Hileman,  Solomon  Coons,  and 
James  Yeater. 

In  1876  the  present  house  of  worship  was  constructed  ;  it  is  a  brick 
building  fortj-  by  seventy-five,  and  is  valued  at  about  four  thousand 
dollars. 

This  church  since  its  organization  has  suffered  a  good  deal  of  shift- 
ing in  the  system  of  grouping.  It  was  grouped  with  Shirleysburg  from 
1873  to  1878,  with  Shade  Gap  from  1879  to  1882,  with  Newton  Hamil- 
ton from  1884  to  1889,  and  again  with  Shirleysburg  since  1892. 

Rev.  William  Prideaux  was  largely  instrumental  in  organizing  this 
church  and  in  erecting  the  building. 

WiLLi.\M  G.  Finney. 


OSCEOLA. 


The  first  religious  organization  in  Osceola  was  a  union  Sunday- 
school  in  1861  ;  the  Presbyterian  and  all  the  other  Protestant  churches 
are  the  outgrowth  of  that  school.  The  school  was  first  held  in  a  shuck- 
shop  (a  large  shed  used  for  shaving  barrel-staves  for  the  Cuban  markets), 
next  in  a  carpenter-shop,  and  when  the  first  public  school-house  was 
erected,  in  1867,  it  was  also  used  for  the  union  Sunday-school  and  for 
preaching  services. 

About  this  date  (1867)  the  Presbyterian  families  located  here  decided 
to  organize  and  build  a  church.  A  site  was  secured  where  the  present 
edifice  stands,  and  the  erection  of  a  church  was  begun. 

The  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  at  a  meeting  in  Bellefonte,  October, 
1867,  appointed  a  committee,  consisting  of  Revs.  John  H.  Clark  and  W. 
O.  Wright  and  Elder  George  W.  McCully,  to  organize  a  church  at 
Osceola.  The  committee  met  in  the  basement  of  the  new  church  Feb- 
ruary- 6,  1868,  and  perfected  an  organization,  but  the  church  edifice  was 
not  completed  until  1869.  The  first  ruling  elders  elected  were  John 
Lawshe  and  Peter  A.  Reed.  On  February  6,  1868,  the  Rev.  William 
Prideaux  preached  the  first  sermon,  from  Psalm  c.xxii.  6-9  ("  Peace  be 
within  thy  walls,"  etc.).  The  membership  at  organization  was  twenty- 
three,  which  number  was  increased  to  thirty-eight  within  a  week. 

By  permission  of  Presbyter}',  Rev.  W.  B.  Sutherland,  of  New  York, 
supplied  the  pulpit  of  the  church  until  March,  1869.     The  church  was 


230  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

dedicated  January  17,  1869,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Malin,  of  Philadelphia,  preach- 
ing the  sermon.  The  church  had  no  regular  pastor  until  September  12, 
1869,  when  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Sargent  accepted  a  call  from  the  congrega- 
tion and  served  as  its  pastor  for  one  year. 

Rev.  W.  W.  Condit  then  supplied  the  church  for  one  year.  From 
October,  1872,  until  May,  1873,  the  church  was  without  a  pa.stor,  when 
a  call  was  given  to  N.  H.  Miller,  D.D.,  who  began  his  labors  May  n, 
1873,  and  continued  until  October  18,  1891. 

The  church  was  destroyed  with  the  rest  of  the  town  by  the  great  fire 
of  May  20,  1875.  Dr.  Miller,  although  he  had  lost  all  his  worldly 
effects,  aroused  and  cheered  the  drooping  spirits  of  his  stricken  congre- 
gation, and  by  untiring  efforts  had  the  present  church  ready  for  dedica- 
tion December  5,  1875. 

Dr.  Miller  having  resigned  from  his  long  and  successful  pastorate, 
Rev.  Samuel  T.  Lewis,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Erie,  was  called  by  the  con- 
gregation February  10,  1892,  and  is  the  present  pastor.  Under  his  effi- 
cient labors  the  church  membership  has  been  greatly  increased,  the 
present  membership  being  one  hundred  and  seventy. 

Besides  the  ruling  elders  already  mentioned,  the  following  were  at 
different  times  since  elected, — viz.,  Lewis  Stonerod,  W.  J.  Long,  A.  H. 
Greenawalt,  J.  A.  Cameron,  W.  W.  Speddy,  C.  G.  Welsh,  W.  A.  Brown, 
Hugh  Campbell,  George  M.  Brisbin,  and  G.  W.  Boone,  the  four  last 
named  being  the  present  ruling  elders. 

The  following  have  been  the  Sunday-school  superintendents  in  the 
order  named  :  J.  R.  Cameron,  A.  H.  Greenawalt,  Hugh  Campbell,  H.  W. 
Brown,  and  G.  W.  Boone. 

The  church  has  now  in  active  operation  the  following  organizations : 

Sabbath-school,  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  Junior 

Christian   Endeavor,  Ladies'  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  and  Ladies' 

Aid  Societies. 

G.  W.  Boone. 


PERU   MILLS. 


As  early  as  1850  preaching  services  were  held  in  the  school-house 
at  Peru  Mills,  occasionally  by  Rev.  Andrew  Jardine,  pastor  of  Middle 
Tuscarora  Church,  and  by  his  successor.  Rev.  J.  J.  Hamilton. 

About  1864  Rev.  David  J.  Beale,  then  pastor  of  the  Middle  Tuscarora 
Church,  began  to  preach  in  the  old  Lutheran  church,  one  and  one-half 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTISGDOX.  23 1 

miles  south  of  Peru  Mills;  and  at  a  meeting  of  Presbyten^  in  1867  a 
petition  was  sent  up  asking  for  a  church  organization,  which  was  granted 
under  the  name  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Peru. 

Presbytery  appointed  Revs.  \V.  Y.  Brown,  D.  J.  Beale.  and  S.  J. 
Millik-en,  and  Elders  G.  M.  Graham,  M.D..  and  John  P.  Kelly  a  com- 
mittee to  organize  a  church.  The  committee  discharged  their  duty  and 
effected  the  organization,  on  the  29th  day  of  April,  1867,  with  seventeen 
members  by  certificate  from  the  Middle  Tuscarora  Church.  On  the 
same  day  Messrs.  John  Kepner  and  John  C.  Burns  were  elected,  ordained, 
and  installed  as  ruling  elders.  The  Rev.  D.  J.  Beale  continued  to  preach 
as  a  supply  for  nearly  a  year. 

On  the  25th  of  Februar>-,  1868,  at  a  special  meeting  of  Presbjiiery 
convened  in  Tyrone,  a  call  was  placed  in  his  hands  and  accepted  by 
J.  E.  Kerns,  who  was  installed  April  2,  1868.  On  March  31,  1878.  he 
resigned,  and  was  released  at  a  meeting  of  Presbyter)-  at  Milroy.  April 

10,  1878. 

After  the  church  became  vacant  it  was  supplied  successi\'ely  by  Revs. 
John  McKean,  J.  C.  Wilhelm,  Marquis,  Burbank.  \V.  C.  Kuhn,  Folsom, 
S.  A.  Davenport,  Scott,  R.  Arthur,  and  others. 

Rev.  L.  L.  Haughawont  began  to  preach  in  September,  1884.  A  call 
was  placed  in  his  hands  and  accepted  at  a  meeting  in  October,  1889,  but 
he  continued  to  preach  until  December,  after  which  the  church  was  sup- 
plied by  Revs.  Lewy,  Mathers,  Kearns.  and  Diener. 

A  call  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  Rev.  J.  F.  Diener  at  the  October 
meeting  of  Presbytery,  1890.  and  accepted  by  him,  when  he  immediately 
began  to  serve  as  pastor  over  this  church,  and  so  continues  up  to  this 

time. 

March  25,  1871,  Thomas  Murphy  and  Frank  Stake  were  elected 
ruling  elders,  and  ordained  and  installed  May  7, 1871.  Matthias  Stump, 
Robert  H.  Patterson.  James  Woodside,  and  Jacob  Shearer,  having  been 
elected  elders,  were  ordained  and  installed  October  17,  1874. 

The  present  membership  of  the  church  is  fifty-five. 

The  present  church  was  built  and  dedicated  in  1 870  at  an  expense  of 
two  thousand  eight  hundred  dollars. 

R.  H.  Patterson. 


THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


PETERSBURG. 


Organized  October  30,  1876.  Enrolled  April  10,  1877.  Among 
its  pastors  and  stated  supplies  were  R.  Lewis  McCune,  J.  B.  Strain, 
William  Prideaux,  J.  C.  Wilhelm,  Samuel  T.  Wilson,  D.D.,  John  C.  Barr, 
McKnight  Williamson,  Daniel  L.  Hughes,  D.D.,  and  George  B.  Troub. 
Present  membership,  one  hundred  and  twenty-three.  Present  elders, 
William  W.  McFadden,  S.  K.  Wharton.  Da\id  Sheasley. 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


PHILIPSBURG. 


The  Presbyterian  Church  of  Philipsburg  was  first  organized  by  an  act 
of  Presbytery  passed  January  9,  1 844.  Supplies  had  been  appointed  occa- 
sionally for  years  before  that  time  at  the  request  of  the  few  Presb}terians 
residing  there.  The  services  were  held  in  what  is  known  as  the  Union 
Church,  a  log  meeting-house  erected  by  Mr.  Hardman  Philips  in  1835 
or  1836,  on  a  lot  of  ground  which  some  time  about  or  a  little  before  1822 
he  had  conveyed  for  the  use  of  the  people  of  Philipsburg  and  neighbor- 
hood as  a  burj'ing-ground. 

January  15,  1845,  Rev.  W.  J.  Murphy  was  installed  pastor  for  one- 
third  of  his  time,  the  other  two-thirds  being  given  to  Fruit  Hill  and 
Mount  Pleasant  Churches.  This  relation  continued  until  October  5, 
1847,  when  at  Mr.  Murphy's  own  request  it  was  dissolved. 

From  this  time  until  1862  the  church  was  \^xy  feeble,  and  depended 
upon  occasional  supplies  for  preaching.  At  the  request  of  some  of  the 
people,  the  church  was  reorganized  by  the  direction  of  Presbytery,  Sep- 
tember 27,  1862,  with  eleven  members,  of  whom  George  H  Steiner  and 
William  H.  Roberts,  having  been  previously  ordained,  were  chosen  and 
installed  as  ruling  elders. 

In  April,  1864,  the  church  called  W.  O.  Wright  for  one-half  of  his 
time.  He  was  ordained  and  installed  as  pastor  during  an  adjourned 
meeting  of  Pre.sbytery  held  by  courtesy  in  the  Methodist  church,  Phil- 
ipsburg, June  15,  1864.  Mr.  Wright  continued  as  pastor  until  April  15, 
1868,  when  at  his  own  request  the  relation  was  dissolved. 

After  this  the  church  was  again  vacant,  except  as  supplied  occa- 
sionally  by    Presbyterial    appointments,    until    Mr.    Sargent,   as   stated 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  233 

supply,  occupied  the  field.     He  was  followed  by  Rev.  Thomas  Thompson, 
and  he  by  Rev.  N.  H.  Miller,  D.D.,  the  pastor  of  Osceola  Church. 

Up  to  1 8 "8  worship  was  held  in  the  Union  Church,  when  the  present 
building  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars.  In 
February.  18S1,  Rev.  W.  W.  Woodend,  D.D.,  became  pastor,  remaining 
until  the  latter  part  of  1883.  He  was  followed  by  Rev.  Milton  L.  Cook 
in  1884,  whose  pastorate  continued  but  little  more  than  a  year. 

In  Jul\-  of  1885  S.  A.  Cornelius,  a  licentiate,  was  made  stated  supply. 
In  April.  1886,  after  completing  his  course  at  the  seminar}',  he  was 
ordained  and  installed  as  pastor,  remaining  with  the  church  until  the  fall 
of 18S9. 

On  February'  25,  1890,  Rev.  Oliver  Hemstreet,  of  Albany,  New  York, 
was  elected  pastor,  but  declined  to  accept.  At  the  same  congregational 
meeting  David  Robertson,  James  H.  Dysart,  and  Charles  E.  Murray 
were  elected,  and  soon  after  were  installed  as  ruling  elders. 

On  October  28,  1890,  Rev.  E.  F.  Johnston  became  pastor,  and  con- 
tinued as  such  until  August,  1892.  During  the  summer  of  this  year  two 
wings  were  added  to  the  church  for  Sunday-school  purposes. 

The  present  pastor,  Rev.  H.  F.  Means,  was  installed  November  17, 
1892. 

The  parsonage,  a  handsome  property  on  Ninth  Street,  was  purchased 
in  1890. 

The  church  is  fully  equipped  for  work,  with  Sunday-school,  Christian 
Endeavor,  Ladies'  Aid,  Brotherhood  of  Andrew  and  Philip,  and  three 
missionary  societies. 

From  time  to  time  the  church  has  been  visited  with  showers  of 
blessing  resulting  in  large  additions.  The  present  membership  is  two 
hundred  and  thirty;  Sunday-school,  two  hundred  and  fifty;  Christian 
Endeavor  Societj^  organized  July  24,  1892,  eighty  active  and  twenty 
associate  members. 

Following  is  a  list  of  ruling  elders  :  George  H.  Steiner,  William  H. 
Roberts,  William  E.  Warde,  D.  S.  DuBree,  Emanuel  Bollinger,  Leonard 
D.  Dom,  Orlando  S.  Flemming,  Samuel  J.  Scott,  George  W.  Ganoe, 
David  Robertson,  James  H.  Dysart,  Charles  E.  Murray,  John  E.Shaffer, 
Richard  Scollon. 

The  present  board  of  elders  consists  of  Messrs.  Dom,  Robertson, 
Murray,  and  Shaffer. 

H.  F.  Means. 


234  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

PINE   GROVE. 

The  Presbyterian  familiesconnected  with  Spring  Creek  Church  resid- 
ing in  and  about  the  \illage  of  Pine  Grove  Mills,  Centre  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania, feeling  the  inconvenience  of  travelling  so  far  to  church,  and  desiring 
to  have  the  means  of  grace  brought  nearer  to  them,  petitioned  the  Presby- 
tery of  Huntingdon,  at  its  meeting  held  October  8,  1834,  to  organize 
them  into  a  separate  church  to  be  called  the  Pine  Grove  Presbyterian 
Church.  Their  prayer  was  favorably  entertained  by  the  Presbyter}-, 
and  the  Rev.  James  Linn  was  appointed  to  effect  the  organization  if  the 
way  should  be  found  to  be  clear.  Accordingly,  on  the  14th  day  of 
November,  1834,  the  Pine  Grove  Presbyterian  Church  was  organized 
with  nineteen  members  received  from  Spring  Creek  Church.  William 
McWilliartis  and  Eli  Hastings  were  chosen  and  duly  set  apart  as  ruling 
elders. 

This  church  has  never  been  numericallv  strong,  owing  to  the  fact  of 
its  limited  territory  having  been  hemmed  in  by  two  larger,  older,  and 
thrifty  churches,  one  on  either  side  of  it ;  but  it  has  shown  life  and 
activity  under  its  different  pastors,  and  has  done  a  good  work  in  its 
sphere,  and  now  reports  a  roll  of  fifty  members,  with  a  Session  of  five 
ruling  elders,  a  flourishing  Sabbath-school,  and  an  active  Ladies'  Mis- 
sionary Society. 

From  the  time  of  its  organization  until  the  year  1857  the  congregation 
worshipped  in  a  frame  building  erected  by  the  Presbyterian,  the  German 
Reformed,  and  the  Lutheran  congregations  as  a  union  church,  the 
different  congregations  alternating  in  their  services.  In  1857  the  Pres- 
byterians built  a  neat  and  substantial  brick  building  of  their  own,  at  a 
cost  of  three  thousand  six  hundred  dollars,  which  was  properly  dedi- 
cated, and  in  which  they  still  worship. 

PASTORS. 

From  1835  to  1848  the  church  was  served  successively  by  Rev. 
Samnel  Wilson,  Rev.  David  McKinney,  and  Rev.  John  McKinney,  each 
for  a  portion  of  his  time. 

In  1848  the  congregation  called  Rev.  D.  L.  Hughes,  who  served 
them  in  connection  with  the  Spruce  Creek  Church  for  one-third  of  his 
time  until  1852.  From  1854  to  1858  he  served  them  as  pastor  for  one- 
half  of  his  time. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  235 

In  1859  they  called  Rev.  S.  M.  Moore,  who  served  them  half  his 
time  until  1863. 

From  1864  to  1869  Rev.  William  J.  Gibson  served  them  as  stated 
supply.  In  1869  they  called  Rev.  R.  C.  Boyson,  who  served  them  as 
pastor  until  March,  1873,  when  he  was  removed  by  death. 

From  1 88 1  to  1885  Rev.  W.  C.  Kuhn  served  them  as  stated  supply. 
In  1887,  Rev.  George  Elliott  was  called  to  be  their  pastor,  and  served 
them  in  connection  with  Bald  Eagle  and  Buffalo  Run  until  March 
15,  1895,  when  he  was,  in  the  midst  of  his  faithful  labors,  removed  by 
death. 

Each  of  these  brethren  in  his  turn  did  faithful  work  in  the  pulpit  and 
out  of  it,  and  was  permitted  to  rejoice  over  precious  fruits  of  his  ministry 
among  his  people. 

The  Rev.  R.  C.  Bryson  and  the  Rev.  George  Elliott  died  while  amid 
the  active  duties  of  the  pastorate,  honored  and  beloved  by  all,  and  sadly 
mourned  by  an  affectionate  and  appreciative  people.  "  They  rest  from 
their  labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them." 

RULING    ELDERS. 

Following  William  McWilliams  and  Eli  Hastings,  the  two  elders 
chosen  at  the  organization  of  the  church  were  John  Patton  and  David 
Mitchell,  elected  in  1835  ;  John  Campbell  and  Hugh  Laurimore,  in  1849; 
William  Murray  and  I.  O.  Campbell,  in  i860;  Robert  L.  Williams, 
Thomas  F.  Patton,  and  H.  A.  McGonigle,  1871  ;  followed  by  Robert 
Glenn  and  John  B.  Mitchell,  and,  April,  1884,  David  Reed,  D.  W.  Miller, 
and  Dr.  George  Woods. 

Of  the   above,  eleven    have  passed  to  their   reward,  having   served 

faithfully  in  the  positions  to  which  they  were  successively  called.     In 

three  instances  at  least  the  mantle  of  the  father  seems  to  have  fallen 

upon  the  son,  the  honored  memory  of  the  father  having  suffered  nothing 

by  the  transfer.  t,  ^^ 

■'  Robert  Hamill. 


PORT   ROYAL. 


One  hundred  and  thirty  years  have  passed  since  the  voice  of  the 
Presbyterian  minister  was  first  heard  in  the  Tuscarora  Valley.  In  1763 
the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  commissioned  Revs.  Charles 
Beatty  and  David  Brainard  to  visit  this  part  of  Pennsylvania,  and  aid  the 


236  THE   CENTEK.KIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

people  in  securing  the  means  of  grace  through  organized  churches  and  a 
h'ving  ministr)'.  This  effort  failed,  because  of  the  hostility  of  the  Indians, 
but  was  renewed  with  success  by  Re\'.  Charles  Beatty  and  George 
Duffield  in  1766.  After  a  journey  of  nearly  one  hundred  and  forty 
miles  they  came  into  Tuscarora  Valley.  They  learned  that  on  a  terri- 
tor}-  of  about  sixty  square  miles  there  were  eighty-four  families.  They 
also  learned  that  the  people  expected  to  erect  churches  in  this  valley, 
one  six  and  the  other  sixteen  miles  up  from  the  river. 

These  points  answer  to  Academia  and  McCulloch's  Mills.  These 
churches  were  first  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  then  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  and  fell  into  the  bounds  of  the  Huntingdon 
Presbytery  at  its  organization  in  1795.  The  church  organized  at  Aca- 
demia was  called  Lower  Tuscarora,  and  Port  Royal  was  for  many  years 
a  part  of  that  organization. 

The  church  of  Port  Royal  (first  named  Perrysville)  became  a 
separate  congregation  in  the  month  of  October,  1865.  The  church 
building  in  which  the  congregation  now  worships  was  built  in  1852, 
thirteen  years  before  the  organization  of  the  congregation.  When  the 
church  was  organized  the  following  ruling  elders  were  elected, — viz.,  John 
McLaughlin,  James  McLaughlin,  D.  W.  Flickinger,  John  Koons,  George 
W.  Strouse,  and  G.  M.  Graham,  M.D.  Five  of  these  men  had  been 
elders  in  the  Lower  Tuscarora  Church  and  were  installed  in  the  new 
organization,  and  Dr.  Graham,  who  had  not  been  an  elder,  was  ordained 
and  installed  October  31,  1865. 

The  second  election  of  elders  was  held  in  February,  1870,  and  the 
following  persons  were  elected :  Professor  David  Wilson,  Isaac  Hawn, 
Samuel  Buck,  A.  J.  Patterson,  and  R.  E.  Flickinger.  These  were 
ordained  Februarj-  13,  1870.  The  third  election  was  held  April  27,  1879, 
and  resulted  in  the  election  of  the  following:  D.  S.  Coyle,  Uriah  Wise, 
N.  D.  Vandyke.  In  the  year  1891,  Hon.  W.  C.  Pomeroy,  A.  W.  Shelly, 
M.D.,  W.  K.  McLaughlin,  and  Harvey  Wise  were  chosen  ruling  elders, 
and  were  ordained  March  29,  1 89 1.  The  present  Session  (October, 
1895)  is  James  McLaughlin,  Hon.  W.  C.  Pomeroy,  Dr.  A.  W.  Shelly, 
and  Harvey  Wise. 

The  first  pastor  of  the  Port  Royal  Presbyterian  Church  was  installed 
in  1866  and  remained  until  the  close  of  the  year  1870. 

The  second  pastor  was  Rev.  J.  H.  Stewart,  now  of  Redlands,  Cali- 
fornia. He  remained  from  1871  until  October,  1877.  During  his  minis- 
try many  were  added  to  the  church. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  237 

The  third  pastor  was  the  Rev.  R.  F.  Wilson,  who  took  charge  of  the 
congregation  in  187S  and  remained  until  October,  1886.  Under  his 
careful  management  the  church  gradually  increased  in  numbers  and 
became  well  established  in  the  Presbyterian  faith. 

The  present  pastor.  Rev.  R.  M.  Campbell,  entered  upon  his  work  in 
the  spring  of  1887.  He  found  the  church  in  good  condition,  and  for 
nearly  nine  years  there  has  been  a  marked  unity  of  sentiment  and  action 
in  the  congregation. 

The  Sabbath-school  and  Christian  Endeavor  Society  are  doing  good 
work.  The  membership  of  the  church  at  its  organization  was  two  hun- 
dred and  thirteen  ;  its  present  membership  numbers  two  hundred  and 
twenty-three. 

R.  M.  Campbell. 


ROBERTSDALE. 

The  Robertsdale  Presbyterian  Church  presents  but  little  that  would 
be  interesting  in  an  historical  sketch. 

The  idea  of  organizing  a  Presbyterian  church  at  Robertsdale  origi- 
nated, I  believe,  with  Rev.  James  H.  Baird.  He  spent  some  time  in 
visiting  the  people,  and  found  a  number  of  families,  mostly  Scotch,  who 
were  Presbyterian  in  their  tendencies  and  many  of  whom  were  actual 
members  in  the  old  country.  Presbytery  appointed  a  committee,  con- 
sisting of  Rev.  S.  M.  Moore,  D.D.,  Rev.  A.  Nelson  Hollifield,  and  Elder 
William  P.  Orbison,  to  organize  the  church,  which  they  did  on  June  30, 
1880,  consisting  of  twenty-one  members  and  two  elders,  one  of  whom 
had  previously  been  an  elder  in  the  church  of  Shade  Gap.  The  report 
of  the  committee  was  adopted  by  Presbytery  and  the  church  enrolled 
October  12,  1880. 

A  small,  but  neat  and  comfortable,  church  building  was  erected  in 
1882  and  1883.  The  funds  were  contributed  by  the  people  of  Roberts- 
dale  (the  Roman  Catholics  contributed  liberally)  assisted  by  outside 
friends  and  the  Board  of  Church  Erection. 

The  church  has  never  had  a  regular  pastor.  Rev.  George  Elliott 
was  elected  pastor,  and  served  the  church  from  March,  18S4,  to  Decem- 
ber, 1886,  but,  so  far  as  I  can  learn,  he  never  was  installed.  Previous  to 
Mr.  Elliott,  Rev.  John  McKean,  Rev.  S.  W.  Pomeroy,  and  Rev.  G.  K. 
Scott  served  the  church  as  supplies.  I  have  been  supplying  them  once 
a  month  .since  1887. 


238  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Since  the  organization  of  the  church  there  have  been  received  on 
certificate  thirteen  members,  on  examination  seventeen.  Adults  baptized, 
six ;  infants  baptized,  twent\'-six.  Dismissed  on  certificate,  fourteen. 
Several  have  dismissed  themselves, — that  is,  they  left  the  place  without 
lifting  their  certificates,  and  we  have  lost  track  of  them. 

There  are  about  twenty-four  members  still  on  the  roll.  A  number 
of  these  have  moved  away  to  other  mining  districts,  such  as  Six-Mile 
Run,  where  there  is  no  Presbyterian  church.  We  know  where  they  are 
and  their  names  are  still  on  the  roll,  but  they  are  too  far  off  to  attend  church, 
and  since  the  hard  times  commenced  they  have  ceased  to  contribute. 

We  have  now  only  two  Scotch  families  here,  and  the  rising  genera- 
tion of  them  do  not  appear  to  take  to  religion  of  any  kind.  Since  1890 
the  population  here  has  almost  entirely  changed.  Many  non-English- 
speaking  foreigners  have  come  in,  who  are  mostly  Catholics.  The  Eng- 
lish-.speaking  people  who  have  come  in  have  been  mostly  inclined  to  the 
Methodists.  The  mining  boss  is  a  Methodist,  which  has  a  great  influ- 
ence with  the  church  proclivities  of  many  of  the  miners. 

The  Sabbath-school  averages  about  fifty.  Financially  our  church  is 
at  a  low  ebb.  For  the  last  two  years  many  of  the  families  have  had 
difficulty  in  getting  enough  to  eat. 

N.  A.  McDonald. 

Note. — Rev.  N.  A.  McDonald,  D.D.,  pastor  of  this  church,  was  bom  in  Franklin 
County,  Pennsylvania.  He  removed  in  early  boyhood  with  his  parents  to  near  Shade  Gap, 
Pennsylvania.  He  united  with  the  church  there  under  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  J.  Y. 
McGinnis  in  1849;  prepared  for  college  at  the  Milnwood  Academy;  graduated  from  Jefferson 
College  in  1857  and  from  the  Western  Theological  Seminary  in  i860;  was  licensed  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  in  1859,  and  ordained  as  a  missionar>-  lo  Siam  by  the  same  Presby- 
tery in  i860.  He  sailed  from  New  York  for  Siam  by  the  way  of  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  June 
5,  i860;  arrived  in  Siam  September  21  of  the  same  year;  and  spent  almost  twenty-six  years 
as  a  missionar)',  during  which  lime  he  was  treasurer  of  the  mission  funds  of  Siam  and  Laos. 
He  was  pastor  of  the  First  Church  of  Bangkok  for  nearly  twenty  years ;  was  acting  United 
States  consul  and  minister  to  the  Siamese  court  at  different  times,  in  all  nearly  five  years. 
For  two  years  he  was  the  only  male  member  of  the  Siam  Mission  who  could  speak  the 
language.  He  translated  into  the  Siamese  language,  of  the  Old  Testament,  the  books  of  Ex- 
odus, Joshua,  Ruth,  First  and  Second  Kings,  Esther,  Job,  Psalms,  Proverbs,  and  Daniel.  He 
also  revised  the  former  translation  of  the  entire  New  Testament.  He  compiled  and  translated 
a  small  work  on  astronomy  and  one  of  natural  philosophy ;  also  translated,  for  the  Siamese 
government,  a  small  work  on  logic  and  one  on  political  economy.  In  1869,  during  the  massa- 
cre of  native  Christians  under  the  late  King  Chiang  Mai,  he  was  selected  by  the  Siam  mission, 
in  company  with  the  Rev.  S.  C.  George,  as  an  ambassador  to  Chiang  Mai,  10  secure  protection 
for  the  resident  missionaries. 

H.  G.  F. 


X 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDOU.  239 

SAXTON. 

The  Saxton  congregation  was  organized  in  1861,  with  Rev.  Samuel 
Lawrence  as  pastor.  Services  were  first  held  in  a  small  brick  school- 
house.  The  present  church  edifice — a  two-story  frame  building  thirty- 
five  by  fifty-five  feet,  with  lecture-room  on  first  floor,  situated  on  the 
corner  of  Catharine  and  Church  Streets,  occupying  two  lots,  fronting  one 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  on  Catharine  Street  and  one  hundred  feet  on 
Church  Street — was  erected  in  1867,  and  dedicated  in  the  fall  of  that 
year.  Rev.  William  Harding  officiating.  The  church  was  incorporated 
March  15,  1875. 

Ministers. — Rev.  David  Banks  ;  Rev.  J.  R.  Graves,  186S  ;  Rev.  Boal, 
1871  to  1875 ;  Rev.  E.  P.  Foresman,  1876  to  1878 ;  Rev.  J.  H.  Baird,  1878 
to  1880;  Rev.  J.  C.  Wilhelm,  1880  to  1883;  from  August  31,  1883,  to 
May  I,  1885,  supplies;  Rev.  Harvey  Shaw,  May  i,  1SS5,  to  1887;  Rev. 
W.A.Schuyler,  1887,  to  August,  1892;  Rev.  William  Prideaux,  Sep- 
tember, 1892,  to  the  present  time. 

Theo.  p.  Fockler. 


SCHELLSBURG. 


The  Presbyterian  Church  of  Schellsburg,  Pennsylvania,  was  organ- 
ized May  18,  1833,  with  thirty-nine  members.  The  records  of  the 
church  are  very  imperfect  for  several  years  after  its  organization.  Rev. 
James  G.  Breckenridge  seems  to  have  been  the  pastor  at  the  time  of 
organization,  but  there  are  no  records  from  May  19,  1833,  to  August  14, 
1836,  when  Rev.  Daniel  McBruley  administered  the  communion.  Rev. 
Henr\-  K.  Wilson,  of  Carlisle,  Pennsylvania,  administered  the  commu- 
nion December  4,  1836,  June  4  and  December,  1837. 

Rev.  D.  D.  Clark  was  pastor  from  1838  to  1843,  Rev.  G.  S.  Ingles  from 
1844  to  1847,  Rev.  W.  L.  McCalla  in  1848  and  1849,  Rev.  T.  K.  Davis 
from  1850  to  1855,  Rev.  Daniel  Willims  in  1858  and  1859,  R^v.  Wil- 
liam Prideaux  from  1861  to  1863,  Rev.  J.  H.  Donaldson  from  1864  to 
1867,  Rev.  J.  C.  Wilhelm  from  1869  to  1871,  Rev.  E.  P.  Foresman  from 
1873  to  1875,  Rev.  Thomas  McMinch  from  1878  to  1882,  Rev.  George  K. 
Scott  from  1883  to  1S85,  Rev.  J.  F.  Dienn  from  1885  to  1890,  and  Rev. 
W.  H.  Schuyler  from  1891  to  the  present  time. 


240  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

The  names  of  ruling  elders  in  order  of  service  are  as  follows :  James 
Taylor,  Sr.,  Benjamin  Gibbony,  John  Smith,  Benjamin  Blymyer,  William 
McMillen,  George  Hunt,  Robert  M.  Taylor,  James  Taylor,  James  Mul- 
lin,  Richard  M.  Stuckey,  A.  J.  Snivcly,  W.  A.  B.  Clark,  John  Sill,  James 
McVicken,  B.  F.  Henderson,  Prof  W.  R.  Vaughn,  Isaiah  Conley,  George 
W.  Taylor,  and  Reuben  R.  Colin. 

The  names  of  those  who  were  members  of  this  church  and  became 
ministers  are  Albert  Clark,  John  H.  Clark,  T.  T.  Eal_\',  and  Silas  Fait. 

About  twenty-five  members  withdrew  from  this  church  to  organize 
the  Mann's  Choice  Presbyterian  Church  about  the  year  1875;  records 
do  not  show  e.xact  date.     Present  membership  seventy- one. 

Isaiah  Conley. 


SHADE   GAP. 


The  first  religious  services  in  the  vicinity  of  Shade  Gap  were  held  in 
the  grove  of  sugar-  and  walnut-trees  which  once  covered  the  site  of  the 
present  Presbyterian  Church  and  cemetery  attached  thereto.  The  hand 
of  the  vandal  has  spared  but  few  of  these  fine  trees.  Here,  beneath  their 
grateful  shade,  the  faithful  old-time  worshippers  gathered  and  listened 
devoutly  to  the  expounding  of  the  gospel.  Theirs  was  a  simple  and 
abiding  faith  in  the  promises  contained  in  the  Word  of  God.  How  long 
they  worshipped  thus  before  they  organized  the  "  Little  Aughwick  Con- 
gregation," as  this  church  was  first  called,  we  do  not  know,  but  Rev. 
Charles  Beatty,  who  held  services  at  the  Juniata  end  of  the  Tuscarora 
Valley  in  1766,  says  there  was  at  that  time  no  house  of  worship  in  the 
whole  valley.  The  first  record  of  this  congregation  the  writer  finds,  in 
Gibson's  "  History  of  the  Huntingdon  Presbytery,"  which  says, — 

"In  the  spring  of  1798,  Alexander  McIIvaine,  a  licentiate,  who  had  lately  come  to  this 
country,  made  application  to  be  received  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery.   .   .  . 

"On  the  17th  of  April,  1799,  the  Presbytery  made  the  following  minute  in  respect  to  Mr. 
McIIvaine  :  Having  now  resided  and  preached  within  the  bounds  of  this  Presbytery  for  upwards 
of  one  year,  his  case  was  reviewed :  .  .  . 

"On  the  2d  of  October  following  [1799]  a  call  from  the  United  Congregation  of  Upper 
Tuscarora  and  Little  Aughwick  for  the  pastoral  services  of  Mr.  Mcllwaine,  promising  him  a 
salary  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  pounds.  Mr.  McIIvaine  declared  his  acceptance  of  the 
call,  and  on  the  6th  day  of  November  of  the  same  year  he  was  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  and 
installed  pastor  of  said  congregations." 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  24I 

In  the  minutes  of  Presbytery  for  1803  Mr.  Mcllvaine  is  recorded  as 
pastor  in  charge  of  "  Upper  Tuscarora,  etc."  Upper  Tuscarora  is  now 
called  Waterloo,  and  the  "  etc."  meant  Shade  Gap  and  other  places.  The 
first  reference  in  the  General  Assembly  minutes  to  service  at  Shade  Gap 
is  found  in  1809,  when  the  name  of  the  church  only — "  Upper  Tuscarora 
and  Aughwick" — is  given. 

The  original  Session  book  was  purchased  by  Captain  James  Morton 
September  2,  1800,  and  the  record  runs  from  December  6,  1800,  to  June 
16,  1854.  No  further  record  appears  until  June  27,  1868,  which  is  in  a 
new  Session  book.  Rev.  Alexander  Mcllvaine,  who  was  without  doubt 
the  first  regular  minister  of  the  Little  Aughwick  congregation,  receipts 
for  salary  in  the  old  Session  book  as  follows : 

Rec'd  in  full  of  all  accounts  from  the  Congregation  of  Little  Aughwick  due  me  for  the  year 
1800  per  me  75  14th  Apr.  1801.  A.  MclLWAlN. 

Rec'il  Sixty-nine  Dollars  3s  and  four  pence  half  peny  this  17th  April  1802  per  me. 

A.  Mc. 
Rec'd  Thirty-six  shillings  and  I  peny  this  7th  of  May  1802  per  me.  A.  MclLWAiN. 

Rec'd  from  Aughwick  Congregation  May  28, 1804,  per  Wm.  Morrow  Collector,  ^53-16-0. 

per  me  A.  McIlwain. 

He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Catherine  Canan  October  7,  1800, 
by  Rev.  John  Johnson,  of  Hartslog  Valley.  He  was  a  physician  as  well 
as  a  minister.  We  find  no  record  of  the  severance  of  his  relations  with 
the  church  at  Shade  Gap,  but  the  following  subscription  list  perhaps 
indicates  the  time  of  his  retirement: 

We  and  each  of  us  do  promise  to  pay  unto  Rev.  Samuel  Hell  yearly  and  every  year  the 
sums  annexed  to  our  names  during  the  time  he  shall  continue  to  exercise  his  ministerial  func- 
tion among  us. 

Witness  our  hands  this  28th  day  of  March,  1808. 


George  Hudson 8.75 

Alex.  Blair 6.00 

John  Hlair 4.00 

James  Clements 5.00 

George  Wilson S'°° 

Matthew  Taylor 4.00 

Patk.  Fitzsimmons 2.00 

James  McKee 4  00 

Hugh  Glenn 2.00 

Thos.  Murphy 2.00 

Geo.  McGee 2.00 

Wm.  Likely 3.00 

James  Speer 2.50 


Nathl.  Kelley 1. 00 

Jas.  Croulhers,  Sr 2.00 

Hugh  Arters 2  00 

Gavin  Clugage 4.00 

Thos.  Clugage 4.00 

Agnes  Clugage 3.00 

Jane  Clugage 3.00 

John  Bell 2.00 

Jos.  Campbell 2.00 

James  Magee 1. 00 

James  Waters 1. 00 

Wm.  Swan 5.00 

John  Appleby,  Sr 3.00 


16 


242 


THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 


Gordon  Speer 2.50 

Gilbert  Kennedy 3.00 

Robert  Taylor 2.50 

Robert  Marshall 2.00 

David  Marshall 2.00 

James  Clements 2  00 

James  Crouthers    .        i.oo 

Archd.  Siitt 1. 50 

Robert  Welch 2.00 

James  Fleming 3.CX3 

Wni.  Wilson 1.50 

Wm.  Fareman 3.50 

Robert  Fleming 2.00 

Alex.  McElroy 2.00 

Nicholas  Wilson 2.00 

Wm.  Scott 1.00 

Hugh  Johnston 2.00 

John  Wilson 1.00 

George  Moor 1.33 

Robert  Clements 1.00 

Saml.  Falkender 2.00 

John  Ramsey 1.33 

Benj.  Briggs 1.00 

James  Piper 3.00 

Saml.  Parsons i.oo 

Jane  Martin I.oo 

Wm.  Morrow 300 

Mary  Fitzsimmons 2.67 

David  Cree I.oo 

John  Kelley I  00 

The  footing  on  the  original  is  Si  74  58. 


John  Appleby,  Jr 2.00 

Alex.  Appleby 2.00 

James  McNeal 3.00 

Matthew  Martin 2.00 

Saml.  Waters         2.00 

John  Harper i.oo 

Hector  Harper 3.00 

Robert  Harper 1.50 

Saml.  McCune 1.50 

Robt.  Wilson 2.00 

John  Shaw 2.00 

Polly  and  Nancy  Frame 1.50 

Thos.  Wilson 2.00 

Mich.  Bolinger,  Jr i.oo 

Wm.  McClean i.oo 

Robert  Brown 2.00 

Richard  Hall I.oo 

John  Gamer I.oo 

John  Downs i.oo 

Barty  Davis I.oo 

John  Tague i.oo 

Mich.  Mills I.oo 

Thos.  Eliot 1.00 

Hugh  Richison '.    .    .  i.oo 

Joseph  Campbell 2.00 

Thos.  Moreland I.oo 

Robert  McNeal I.oo 

James  Welch i.oo 

John  Shell 1.00 

I  Alex.  Rankin 2.00 


In  1809  we  find  Presbyteiy  supplyincj  the  pulpit,  and  we  doubt  if 
Rev.  Bell  ever  sei-ved  the  congregation. 

For  some  reason  or  other  the  congregation  held  services  in  other 
places  besides  the  old  church.  Mr.  Alexander  Appleb\',  now  eighty 
years  old,  and  his  twin  sister,  the  late  Mrs.  A.  E.  Taylor,  were  baptized 
in  the  old  Hudson  grist-mill,  and  the  Foreman  House,  now  used  by 
Squire  Zeigler  as  an  office,  was  used  for  a  time  by  this  congregation. 

In  the  Assembly  Report  for  18 14,  "  Upper  Tuscarora  and  Aughwick, 
Shirleysburg,  Wayne,  Millerstown,  and  Chincklecamoose"  are  marked 
"Vacant,  united  able  to  support  pastor;"  in  18 19  "Upper  Tuscarora  and 
Aughwick"  are  "  Vacant,  united  able  to  support  pastor ;"  and  in  1825 
the  two  churches  are  separately  marked  vacant,  and  fifty-three  given  as 
the  strength  of  the  Aughwick  Church. 


OF   THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  243 

In  1824  Rev.  George  Gray  was  called  to  take  charge  of  these  two 
churches,  which  had  been  vacant  since  the  death  of  Mr.  Mcllvaine,  and 
for  twenty-five  years  was  their  faithful  and  zealous  pastor.  Rev.  George 
Gray  was  born  in  Antrim  County,  Ireland,  in  1772,  and,  his  parents  dying 
when  he  was  quite  young,  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  relatives.  At  the 
age  of  sixteen  he  embraced  religion,  and  joined  the  church  under  the 
care  of  Rev.  W.  M.  Rutherford,  in  Down  County,  Ireland.  His  academic 
studies  were  pursued  in  Ireland,  his  collegiate  and  theological  courses  in 
Edinburgh,  Scotland.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  and  ordained 
in  1796  by  the  Independents  of  Ireland.  In  this  connection  he  labored 
for  a  number  of  years,  and  his  wife  dying  he  came  to  America,'landing 
in  Philadelphia  in  August,  1 820,  where  he  met  his  eminent  fellow-coun- 
tryman. Rev.  Samuel  B.  Wylie,  who,  knowing  him  to  be  thoroughly 
orthodox  in  his  doctrine,  urged  him  to  join  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
From  here  he  went  to  Northumberland  Presbyter}',  became  a  member, 
and  passed  his  first  years  as  a  missionary. 

He  resigned  the  Aughwick  charge  September  30, 1843,  and  in  October, 
1849,  pressed  with  the  infirmities  of  age,  being  nearly  fourscore,  he 
tendered  his  resignation  to  the  Upper  Tuscarora  Church  and  closed  his 
active  ministerial  life.  He  seldom  preached  afterwards,  except  on  dedi- 
catory occasions.  He  suffered  from  dimness  of  vision,  but  retained  his 
reasoning  faculties  to  the  last.  He  was  cheerful  and  contented,  amiable 
in  disposition  and  interesting  in  conversation.  He  died  August  26,  i860, 
of  natural  decay.  He  was  twice  married, — first  to  Margaret  Smith,  who 
died  in  Ireland,  and  second,  to  Mrs.  Amy  Warrick,  widow  of  George 
Warrick.  She,  with  two  sons  and  three  daughters,  survived  him.  There 
is  no  evidence  that  he  was  an  author. 

Between  1842  and  1844  the  Shade  Gap  Church  seems  to  have  been 
supplied  by  Presbyter\',  Revs.  Collins,  Peeples.  Sterrett,  Jardine.  and 
Nurrs  filling  the  pulpit  at  different  times. 

Rev.  James  Y.  McGinnes,  who  followed  Mr.  Gray,  infused  such  a 
wonderful  amount  of  enthusiasm  into  the  community  about  Shade  Gap, 
displayed  so  much  energy  in  his  undertakings,  and  crowded  so  much 
good  in  the  short  life  he  spent  there,  that  he  deserves  something  more 
than  a  mere  passing  notice.  It  was  not  the  writer's  privilege  and  good 
fortune  to  know  him  personally,  but  he  has  read  and  heard  enough  about 
this  good  man,  and  of  his  wonderful  success  in  building  up  in  the  wilder- 
ness a  fine  educational  institution,  to  satisfy  him  that  James  Y.  McGinnes 
was  no  ordinary  man,  and  that  his  untimely  death  in  the  midst  of  what 


244  ^-^^    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

seemed  his  life-work  was  a  public  calamity  but  faintly  realized  at  the  time. 
He  was  bom  December  8,  1815,  at  Shippensburg,  Pennsylvania,  and 
was  the  son  of  Rev.  George  McGinnes,  who  emigrated  to  this  country  from 
Ireland  with  his  parents,  who  were  Presbyterians,  in  1787.  He  married 
Elizabeth  M.  Criswell,  of  Franklin  County,  Pennsylvania,  October  22, 
1840,  and  after  preaching  in  the  West  for  several  years  came  to  Shade 
Gap,  and  served  as  stated  supply  for  the  Little  Aughwick  Congregation 
for  one  year  from  October  i,  1844,  and  on  October  8,  1845,  accepted 
their  call.  Mr.  Brice  Blair  presented  him  with  a  lot,  and  in  1847  Mr. 
McGinnes  began  the  erection  of  the  stone  cottage  which  stands  south  of 
the  Academy  Hall,  and  in  this  he  lived  till  his  death,  August  31,  185 1,  in 
the  eleventh  year  of  his  ministry.  He  left  a  wife  and  five  children,  and  is 
buried  in  the  Presbyterian  Cemetery  at  Shippensburg,  Pennsylvania, 
where  a  nine-foot  monument,  erected  by  his  students  and  friends,  marks 
his  resting-place. 

Rev.  McGinnes  was  beloved  by  all,  and  especially  by  his  students. 
He  was  highly  gifted,  and  successful  beyond  all  expectations  with  the 
church  and  school,  which  were  really  built  up  together,  and  whose  interests 
were  so  interwoven  that  the  history  of  one  is  that  of  the  other,  and  had 
he  lived  the  usual  span  of  life  it  is  believed  that  a  Presbyterian  college 
would  now  stand  on  the  ground  at  present  occupied  by  the  old  buildings 
around  which  so  many  tender  recollections  and  associations  cling,  and 
which  to-day  only  furnish  shelter  and  seclusion  for  owls  and  bats. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Adams  served  the  church  for  six  months  from  October  9, 
185 1,  and  in  the  summer  of  1852  Revs.  Elliott,  Floyd,  and  S.  H.  ^IcDon- 
ald  acted  as  supply.  On  March  28,  1853,  ^^v.  W.  S.  Morrison  was 
called,  and  from  November  12,  1853,  till  October  8,  1856,  acted  as  regular 
pastor.  From  the  last  date  till  May  25,  1857,  when  he  was  released 
from  the  charge,  the  church  was  supplied  by  Presbytery.  In  1858 
Thomas  Ward,  a  licentiate,  was  placed  in  charge,  and  on  March  9,  1859, 
Rev.  Garret  Van  Artsdalen  was  called  for  one  year,  and  divided  his  time 
between  the  Shade  Gap  Church  and  the  Pine  Grove,  or  Mountain  Foot, 
Church,  a  new  one  erected  near  Robert  Fleming's.  He  served  till  March 
18,  1865,  and  on  April  I,  following,  his  connection  with  these  churches 
ceased.  From  September  24,  1865,  R.  Lewis  McCune  acted  as  supply, 
and  on  March  19,  1866,  was  called  and  took  charge  of  the  pulpits.  He 
was  followed  by  Rev.  William  C.  Kuhn,  who  became  pastor  on  Sep- 
tember 10,  1867,  and  .served  the  congregations  faithfully  till  June  II, 
1879,  when  Rev.  John  D.  Owens  took  charge,  and  was  succeeded  in 


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ORIGINAL    AND    PRKSKNT    CHURCH    AT    SHADH    CiAl',    I'A. 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


245 


1885   by  Rev.  L.  L.  Houghawout,  who  was  followed  by  the  present 
pastor,  Rev.  J.  H.  Deiner,  who  took  charge  in  189O. 

The  accompanying  cut  is  a  good  picture  of  the  first  Presbyterian 


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meeting-house.  It  was  originally  a  plain  two-gabled  log  building,  thirty- 
two  by  thirty-eight  feet,  built  about  1800,  afterwards  plastered  and  pebble- 
dashed.     Rev.  McGinnes  describes  it  in  1840  as  "  a  little  white  church." 


246  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

It  stood  about  one  hundred  feet  north  of  the  present  brick  structure.  It 
had  no  belfry  or  spire,  and  the  roofing  was  of  "  improved  clapboards," — 
shingles  three  feet  long, — with  plain  boxing  under  the  eaves,  but  no 
gable  projections.  It  was  heated  by  two  stoves,  whose  pipes  united  in 
a  large  drum  close  under  the  ceiling,  which  was  twelve  feet  high,  and 
passed  through  the  roof  single.  The  floor  space  was  divided  into  four 
sections,  containing  twenty-six  pews,  by  aisles  seven  feet  wide  leading  to 
three  doors  and  to  the  pulpit.  The  latter,  which  was  on  the  northwest, 
or  graveyard  side,  was  entered  by  steps,  and  had  a  wooden  canopy  for  a 
sounding-board,  and  opposite  was  the  front  door,  whose  sill  was  level 
with  the  ground,  but  the  southwest  door,  which  was  the  first  reached 
from  the  road,  was  most  used  and  had  one  stone  step,  as  had  the  third, 
or  northeast  door.  The  doors  were  all  alike,  double  but  narrow,  whole 
width  four  feet,  and  height  seven  feet  two  inches.  There  were  six  win- 
dows, each  having  fifteen  lights,  eight  by  ten, — one  on  each  side  of 
pulpit,  one  in  each  end  on  west  half  of  church,  and  one  on  each  side  of 
front  door. 

The  following  old-time  worshippers  sat  in  the  seats  indicated  in  the 
accompanying  diagram  of  the  old  log  church : 

1.  James  Morton,  Thomas  Wilson,  and  John  Bigham. 

2.  Patrick  Fitzsimmons,  Robert  Marshall,  and  James  Crouthers. 

3.  John  Appleby,  Gilbert  Kennedy. 

4.  George  Wilson,  Robert  Harper. 

5.  William  Swan. 

6.  Thomas  Cluggage,  Widow  Cluggage,  John  Bell. 

7.  Rev.  Alexander  McElwain. 

8.  Jeremiah  Robinson,  James  Spear,  Hugh  Dougherty. 

9.  James  Marshall,  William  Marshall,  Hugh  Arters,  Patrick  Fitz- 
simmons, James  Fleming. 

10.  Matthew  Taylor,  King  Fitzsimmons. 

11.  James  and  John  Berry. 

12.  James  McKee,  William  Morrow. 

13.  James  Fleming. 

14.  John  Wilson. 

15.  James  Clements,  Samuel  Caldwell. 

16.  Alexander  Blair. 

17.  Dennis  Hanlon,  Joseph  Campbell. 

18.  William  Steel. 

19.  Gaven  Cluggage,  Hugh  Glenn. 


''i  T 


OF   THE   rKtSBYTERY  OF  HUATINGDON.  247 

20.  George  Hudson. 

21.  William  Waters. 

22.  John  Hudson. 

23.  John  Carolus. 

24.  James  Crouthers,  Samuel  Crouthers. 

25.  John  Davis. 

26.  James  McKee,  John  Gilliland. 

William  Gifford,  William  Crocker,  Leonard  Gooshorn,  Archey 
McGlauchlin,  Archey  Paterscn,  John  Eagleton,  William  Vaun,  Simon 
Bolinger,  and  Conrad  Johnston  appear  as  "  Subscribers  not  placed  in 
seats  December,  1800." 

On  April  18,  1848,  a  contract  was  entered  into  by  the  building  com- 
mittee, George  Wilson,  Thomas  Montague,  and  Atchison  B.  Hudson, 
with  William  A.  Hudson  for  the  delivery  on  the  site  of  the  new  church, 
before  August  i,  of  eighty  thousand  bricks,  for  which  he  was  to  be  paid 
three  hundred  dollars.  The  church  must  have  been  completed  the  same 
summer,  for  we  find  in  the  fall  of  1848  that  the  old  church  was  used  for 
school  purposes,  a  "classical  school"  having  been  started  in  the  old 
building  immediately  after  the  dedication  of  the  new  brick  church.  This 
was  the  germ  of  Old  Milnwood.  Rev.  McGinnes  was  the  founder,  and 
Henry  Beers  was  the  first  student,  or  "  nest-egg,"  as  the  boys  called  him, 
and  he  with  George  T.  Hudson  constituted  the  entire  class  for  the  first 
two  or  three  weeks,  but  before  the  end  of  the  session  there  were  twenty- 
two  students,  nine  of  whom  were  boarders.  In  the  second  term  there 
were  forty,  among  whom  were  the  following :  N.  A.  McDonald,  late 
missionary  to  Siam  ;  David  M.  Gregg,  late  Auditor-General  of  the  State; 
Horatio  G.  Fisher,  late  Congressman  and  State  Senator ;  John  M.  Buoy, 
J.  Shippen  Burd,  Denton  D.  Culbertson,  Dunlap  Dickson,  James  S.  Rob- 
inson, Henry  R.  Shearer,  Henry  Beers,  John  Foote,  Amos  Foote,  William 
A.  Gray,  and  David  H.  Barren.  In  the  third  term  there  were  fifty  stu- 
dents, and  soon  after  the  school  attendance  increased  to  eighty,  when 
Mr.  McGinnes,  who  had  thrown  his  whole  soul  into  the  enterprise, 
secured  the  erection,  through  a  stock  company,  in  1849,  of  the  large 
stone  building  which  was  soon  used  entirely  for  boarders.  In  September 
of  this  year  their  first  exhibition  was  held  in  this  building,  and  in  after- 
years  this  semi-annual  entertainment  was  one  of  the  most  attractive 
features  of  the  institution.  The  school  continued  to  grow  in  favor,  and 
soon  Rev.  McGinnes  found  he  would  have,  as  he  said,  "  to  enlarge  the 
borders  of  his  tent,"  and  in    1850  erected  the  Academy  Hall,  fifty  by 


248  THE   CEXTENNIAL   AXyiVERSARY 

thirtj'-six,  for  recitation  purposes.  The  old  church  having  been  torn 
down,  they  worked  the  logs  into  the  frame  of  the  Hall.  The  next 
improvement  was  the  construction  of  frame  sleeping  apartments  in  1851. 
The  following  persons  taught  in  Milnwood  after  the  death  of  Rev. 
McGinnes :  John  Henry  Wilson  McGinnes,  D.  McKinney,  Samuel 
Campbell.  R.  H.  Morrow,  William  H.  Woods,  W.  M.  Williamson,  Rev. 
G.  Van  Artsdalen,  William  A.  Hunter,  L.  H.  Beers,  R.  S.  Kuhn,  Rev. 
William  C.  Kuhn,  J.  R.  Baker,  and  Rev.  George  Scott.  Rev.  Scott 
made  the  last  earnest  effort  to  revive  the  old  school,  but  failed.  R.  S. 
Kuhn  has  owned  the  property  since  1868.  A  list  of  the  students  of  old 
Milnwood  would  fill  a  book.  The  course  of  study  under  the  old  pro- 
fessors was  extensive,  the  instruction  ver>'  thorough,  the  discipline  first- 
class,  and  the  reputation  of  the  school  was  well  sustained  for  many  years, 
and  we  cannot  but  think  that  the  superficial  instruction  of  to-day  which 
obtains  in  many  of  our  so-called  colleges  is  scarcely  up  to  that  given 
at  Old  Milnwood  when  she  was  in  her  prime. 

S.  D.  CALDWELL. 


SHAVERS   CREEK. 

This  church  was  organized  some  years  before  the  Presbytery  was, 
perhaps  in  1783  or  1785.  Among  its  pastors  Matthew  Stephens  was 
called  October  4,  1797,  installed  June,  1798,  and  released  April  iS,  18 10. 
There  were  probably  other  pastors  up  to  1834,  but  during  many  of  these 
years  it  only  had  occasional  supplies. 

David  Sterrett  became  pastor  May  30,  1S34.  Revs.  Drs.  Jas.  S. 
Woods  and  Samuel  Wilson  installed  him.     He  was  released  April  11, 

1848,  and  died  June  21,  1871.     Richard  Curran  was  installed  May  25, 

1849,  by  S.  H.  McDonald,   D.  Sterrett,  and  D.  L.  Hughes,  D.D.;  re- 
leased April  12,  1859. 

This  church  had  its  main  building  at  Manor  Hill,  which,  lately 
re-roofed,  still  stands,  but  is  unused.  The  present  building  is  near 
McAlevy's  Fort 

The  church  has  forty-eight  members  and  two  elders,  Hugh  A.  Jack- 
son and  James  Smith.  It  has  for  many  years  had  a  pastor,  in  connec- 
tion with  Petersburg  and  Bsthel,  for  a  short  time,  but  for  the  most  part 
only  occasional  supplies. 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  249 

SHIRLEYSBURG. 

This  churcli  was  organized  early  in  the  present  century.  T. 
McGehon,  M.D.,  of  Franklin  County,  Rev.  John  Johnston,  of  Hunting- 
don, Rev.  Samuel  Woods,  D.D.,  of  Lewistown,  Rev.  Gray,  of  Shade 
Gap,  Rev.  John  Peebles,  of  Huntingdon,  and  Rev.  Carroll,  of  Newton 
Hamilton,  all  preached  here  previous  to  1839. 

The  list  of  pastors  and  stated  supplies,  beginning  with  1839,  is  as 
follows  : 

Name,  Year. 

Rev.  Britton  E,  Collins,  stated  supply 1839-1854. 

Rev.  G.  W.  Shaeffer,  pastor 1855-1866. 

Rev.  Cochrane  Forbes,  stated  supply 1867-1870. 

Rev.  Samuel  C.  Alexander,  pastor 1871-1873. 

Rev.  William  Prideaux,  pastor  • 1874-1875. 

Rev.  R.  A.  Watson,  stated  supply 1877-1S78. 

Rev.  Stephen  Pomeroy,  pastor 1878-1884. 

Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell,  pastor 1884-1892. 

Rev.  W.  G.  Finney,  pastor 1892. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  ruling  elders,  with  date  of  entering  upon 
office : 

Name.  Year. 

Samuel  Carothers  and  Randall  Alexander 1828. 

Henry  Brewster 1844. 

John  Douglass  and  A.  O.  Brown 1845. 

J.  C.  Bollinger  and  R.  W.  Dorter 1852. 

Samuel  Wilson  and  Jacob  Rothrock 

John  Brewster  and  Samuel  R.  Douglass 1855. 

Robert  Bigham 1855. 

Daniel  Montague  and  Dr.  M.  J.  McKennaw i860. 

J.  J.   Postlewaite • 

Henry  R.  Hudson  and  Charles  R.  McCarthy 1867. 

Jonathan  Montague 1867. 

John  Alexander  and  Robert  Kerr 1868. 

Daniel  Brandt  and  Jesse  Peterson 1872. 

John  Nelson  and  John  Douglass 1892. 

The  present  elders  are  Henry  Hudson,  Daniel  Brandt,  John  Nelson, 
and  John  Douglass. 

The  present  church  was  built  in  1830.  The  interior  has  been  repaired 
and  much  changed.  The  exterior  is  preserved  the  same,  with  its  brick- 
paved  porch  and  four  pillars  in  front.     It  is  a  white  frame  building. 

Shirleysburg  is  a  mother  church.  The  Presbyterians  of  Mount  Union 
and  Orbisonia  were  formerly  identified  with  Shirleysburg  in  membership, 


250  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

though  each  had  its  own  place  of  worsliip.  Mount  Union,  in  1867,  and 
Orbisonia,  in  1873,  formed  distinct  congregations.  In  1839  there  were 
one  hundred  and  thirty  members,  which  included  Orbisonia  and  Mount 
Union.     This  year,  1895,  there  are  eiglUy-si.\  members. 

Two  ministers  have  gone  out  from  this  congregation.  Rev.  William 
Alexander,  D.D.,  now  of  San  Anselmo,  California,  and  Rev.  Samuel  C. 
Alexander,  now  of  Millerstown,  Pennsj'lvania,  both  sons  of  Randall 
Alexander,  whose  name  appears  second  on  the  list  of  ruling  elders.  The 
younger  brother,  Samuel,  was  pastor  at  Shirleysburg  from  1871  to  1873. 

William  G.  Finney. 


SINKING   CREEK   AND  SPRING   CREEK. 

The  history  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Sinking  Creek  and  the 
Spring  Creek  Churches  has  been,  from  their  origin  to  within  a  short 
time,  so  blended  that  it  seems  proper,  if  not  necessary,  that  this  sketch 
should  include  both,  and  the  writer  proposes  so  to  give  it.  The  sources 
from  which  to  gather  the  early  history  of  these  churches  are  so  limited 
— there  being  no  sessional  records  until  1834,  and  then  up  to  1841  being 
very  brief — that  the  writer  has  been  compelled  to  draw  his  supplies  from 
brief  Presbyterial  allusions  to  the  churches  and  from  reliable  statements 
received  from  the  aged  pastor,  Rev.  William  Stuart,  and  the  aged 
members  of  the  congregations  found  among  the  living  at  the  time  of  his 
entrance  upon  the  field  fifty  years  ago. 

Soon  after  the  settlement  of  Penn's  Valley  by  the  Scotch-Irish,  of 
which  element  its  first  settlers  were  largely  composed,  we  find  the 
people, — about  the  year  1775, — after  having  provided  homes  for  them- 
selves, considering  their  spiritual  interests  and  aiming  to  provide  for 
religious  privileges.  In  pursuance  of  this  object  they  sent  a  commission 
to  the  then  far-away  town  of  Carlisle,  to  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Donegal,  asking  for  supplies.  The  Presbytery  regarded  favorably  their 
prayer  and  resolved  to  send  them  occasional  supplies,  to  meet  the  people 
at  different  points,  to  preach,  to  administer  the  ordinances,  and  to 
catechise  the  children. 

We  find  upon  the  old  Presbyterial  records  Warrior's  Mark,  Half 
Moon,  East  and  West  Penn's  Valley,  and  Brush  Valley  named  as 
"  stations"  where  services  were  held.  Subsequently  Penn's  Creek,  Cedar 
Creek,  and  later  Sinking  Creek  and  Spring  Creek  are  named. 


i^Kiv 


f?0BER7MAMiLLDD 


riLLiAn  Prideavx  ! 


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I 


vn-^ 


:^VV.O  VVRfGHT^I 


't    I 


MlNlSTtK; 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  251 

Some  time  after  this  East  and  West  Penn's  Valley  were  fixed  as 
permanent  places  for  services  and  informally  resolved  themselves  into 
organizations  as  churches.  East  Penn's  Valley  was  located  near  the 
head  of  Penn's  Creek,  and  West  Penn's  Valley  near  the  head  of  Cedar 
Creek.  The  lower  end  of  Penn's  Valley  becoming  largely  populated  by 
Germans,  and  the  Scotch-Irish  settlers  multiplying  farther  up  the  valley, 
a  preaching  place  was  located  at  Centre  Hill  and  denominated  the 
Sinking  Creek  Church,  and  the  West  Penn's  Valley  people  ad\anced 
their  preaching  place  from  Cedar  Creek  to  the  Slab-Cabin  Branch 
of  Spring  Creek,  and  located  a  preaching  place  there  called  Spring 
Creek.  Thus  Sinking  Creek  and  Spring  Creek  resolved  themselves  into 
organizations  about  1780,  and  about  this  time  appear  on  the  records  of 
the  Presbytery,  recognized  as  organized  churches,  while  there  is  no 
record  of  their  formal  organization.  These  churches,  thus  coming  into 
existence  after  having  been  served  for  some  time  by  supplies,  formed  a 
united  charge  under  successive  pastors  for  eighty-six  years,  from  1789 
to  1875,  having  had  during  this  period  six  pastors,  the  combined  pastor- 
ates of  two  of  whom  extended  over  sixty-two  years,  or  nearly  three- 
fourths  of  the  time. 

Up  to  this  time,  1875,  these  churches  as  a  united  charge  grew  and 
strengthened  until  they  numbered  over  two  hundred  families  and  over 
four  hundred  mernbers,  under  the  pastorate  of  the  last  incumbent  of  the 
united  charge.  They  have  both  met  with  heavy  losses  by  death  and 
removal,  and  by  colonies  going  into  new  organizations  around  them, 
until  at  the  present  time  half  their  numerical  strength  has  gone.  Sink- 
ing Creek  especially  has  suffered  very  serious  depletion.  Spring  Creek 
has  suffered  largely  from  new  organizations  springing  up  on  territory 
formerly  included  in  her  bounds.  Pine  Grove,  Bald  Eagle,  Buffalo  Run, 
and  State  College  Churches  are  all  children  of  the  Spring  Creek  Church, 
each  being  located  in  territory  chiefly,  if  not  altogether,  covered  by  the 
Spring  Creek  Church  in  its  original  organization.  While  the  mother 
has  felt  the  loss,  she  rejoices  in  the  healthful  growth  and  prosperity  of 
her  children.  Each  of  the  churches  of  Sinking  Creek  and  Spring  Creek 
has  been  a  rich  blessing  to  the  beautiful  valley  in  which  they  have  been 
located.  A  multitude  of  redeemed  ones  who  on  earth  were  privileged 
to  share  the  means  of  grace  within  their  bounds  will  have  reason 
throughout  eternit)'  to  bless  the  day  that  these  churches  were  located 
near  by  their  earthly  homes. 


252  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

THE    BUILDINGS. 

The  first  church  building  in  Penn's  Valley,  the  site  of  the  Sinking 
Creek  and  Spring  Creek  Churches,  was  erected  in  the  year  1785  by  the 
East  Penn's  Valley  congregation.  It  was  near  the  head  of  Penn's  Creek, 
about  two  miles  from  Spring  Mills,  and  was  denominated  the  East 
Penn's  Valley  Church.  It  was  a  plain  log  structure,  with  seating  capacity 
for  about  two  hundred.  Its  construction  doubtless  taxed  the  liberality 
of  the  people  more  than  some  of  its  more  costlj-  successors. 

This  church  was  followed  by  a  building  of  the  same  style,  but  some- 
what larger  and  more  costly,  erected  at  Centre  Hill  by  the  Sinking 
Creek  congregation  in  1793.  This,  after  having  been  remodelled,  served 
the  congregation  until  1842,  when  it  was  superseded  by  a  handsome 
brick  building,  at  a  cost  of  some  eight  thousand  dollars,  which  was 
entered  in  1843.  This  edifice,  after  being  occupied  for  seventeen  years, 
was  thoroughly  repaired ;  being  remodelled,  repainted,  papered,  cush- 
ioned, and  carpeted,  at  a  cost  of  about  two  thousand  dollars,  and  thus 
remains  until  this  day.  While  in  former  years  this  building  was  at  times 
too  strait  for  the  congregation,  there  being  more  people  than  there  were 
pews  to  accommodate  them,  now,  with  the  congregation  diminished  by 
death  and  by  emigration,  the  size  of  the  building  is  beyond  the  present 
demand.  The  village  of  Centre  Hall  springing  up  in  these  latter  years 
in  the  bounds  of  the  congregation,  a  very  neat  church  edifice  was  erected 
there  in  1888,  at  a  cost  of  four  thousand  dollars,  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  families  residing  in  that  vicinity.  Both  of  these  buildings  reflect 
great  credit  upon  the  people  who  supplied  them. 

The  Spring  Creek  congregation  first  decided  to  build  at  the  head  of 
Cedar  Creek,  where  they  had  been  accustomed  to  worship  in  a  log 
school-house,  and  where  they  had  located  a  graveyard.  But  after 
gathering  the  materials  for  building  they  changed  their  mind  as  to 
locality  (in  view,  we  judge,  of  the  proximity  of  the  new  Sinking  Creek 
V  Church  at  Centre  Hill),  and  resolved  to  build  farther  west  on  the  Slab- 
Cabin  Branch  of  Spring  Creek.  Here,  on  their  newly-chosen  site,  they 
erected  a  log  building  in  the  year  1794.  In  this  building,  unfinished, 
without  pews,  pulpit,  floor,  ceiling,  or  windows,  the)'  worshipped  for 
some  time,  apparently  unable  to  complete  the  work.  Subsequently, 
however,  inspired  by  the  accession  of  a  new  pastor  in  the  person  of 
Rev.  Wm.  Stuart,  with  new  energy,  they  resolved  to  finish  the  building, 
and  accordingly  contracted    with  Wm.    Neal   "  to  provide   the   mate- 


z 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  253 

rials  and  finish  the  house,  in  consideration  of  the  full  sum  of  three 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  to  be  duly  paid  upon  its  completion."  This 
work,  commenced  July  2,  1801,  was  completed  in  April,  1802.  In  this 
building  they  worshipped  for  thirty  years,  until  1832,  when  they  re- 
paired and  enlarged  the  building,  and  in  it  thus  remodelled  they  con- 
tinued to  worship  until  the  i8th  of  April,  1847,  when,  on  Sabbath  night 
after  sen'ice,  it  was  destroyed  by  fire  a  year  after  the  entrance  of  their 
pastor,  Mr.  Hamill,  upon  his  work. 

When  the  congregation  came  together  to  consult  about  the  erection 
of  a  new  church,  the  question  as  to  a  change  of  location  was  agitated, 
and  so  bitter  was  the  controversy  on  this  point  that  a  year  transpired 
before  the  parties  could  come  to  terms,  and  then  the  difficulty  was  only 
settled  by  an  agreement  to  build  two  churches,  one  at  Boalsburg  and  the 
other  at  the  old  site.  Those  in  favor  of  the  old  site  immediately  se- 
cured a  subscription  and  built  a  plain  frame  structure  at  a  cost  of  some 
two  thousand  dollars ;  the  other  party,  failing  in  their  project,  returned 
to  the  parent  church,  and  harmony  was  successfully  restored. 

In  this  house  the  congregation  worshipped  for  twenty-five  years, 
when  it  was  resolved  to  build  a  new  church  more  worthy  of  the  congre- 
gation and  a  truer  index  to  the  taste  and  refinement  of  the  people.  At 
this  juncture  the  question  of  a  change  of  location  again  came  up,  and 
after  an  exciting  controversy  it  was  finally  decided  to  place  the  new 
church  at  Lemont,  where  the  present  chaste  and  substantial  structure 
was  erected,  at  a  cost  of  some  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  and  was  entered 
free  from  debt  January  7,  1872.  In  this  beautiful  edifice  the  congregation 
now  worship, — an  edifice  that  will  stand  for  generations  to  come  as  a 
worthy  monument  of  the  Christian  liberality  of  those  who  erected  it. 

That  part  of  the  Spring  Creek  congregation  in  and  around  the 
village  of  State  College,  feeling  the  need  of  a  place  for  religious  service 
and  for  Sabbath-school  and  Bible-class  purposes,  resolved  to  build  a 
chapel  of  ease  at  State  College,  which  purpose  resulted  in  the  erection 
of  a  beautiful  edifice,  costing  about  five  thousand  dollars,  at  that  point, 
which  wns  dedicated  as  a  house  of  worship  March  18,  1888.  Another 
neat  chapel  was  built,  at  a  cost  of  some  two  thousand  dollars,  at  Boals- 
burg, in  1892,  for  the  convenience  of  the  members  of  this  church  re- 
siding there.  These  different  edifices  are  worthy  of  those  who  partici- 
pated in  securing  their  construction,  and  are  proper  indices  to  the 
liberality,  good  taste,  and  Christian  spirit  of  those  who  are  or  have  been 
identified  with  the  venerable  Spring  Creek  Presbyterian  Church. 


254  ^-^^    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

THE     PASTORS. 

For  some  fifteen  years  after  the  people  of  Penn's  Valley  first  appear 
upon  the  records  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Donegal  and  Carlisle  they  were 
compelled  to  depend  upon  occasional  supplies  appointed  to  preach  at 
intervals  of  two  and  three  months.  This  was  owing,  we  suppose, 
first,  to  the  scarcity  of  ministers,  and,  second,  to  the  unsettled  condi- 
tion of  the  country  and  the  frequent  murderous  depredations  of  the 
Indian  tribes.  Tradition  tells  us  that  it  was  not  unfrequently  necessary 
for  the  minister  and  the  people  to  assemble  on  the  Sabbath  for  worship 
armed  with  rifles,  to  protect  themselves  from  assaults  by  the  Indians 
who  now  and  then  traversed  and  sojourned  among  our  mountains  and 
valleys. 

After  depending  for  years  upon  these  occasional  supplies,  the  Rev. 
James  Martin,  pastor  of  Pine  Creek  Church,  visited  this  region,  and,  as 
the  result,  on  the  15th  of  April,  1789,  a  call  was  presented  at  a  meeting 
of  the  Presbytery  at  Carlisle  for  his  pastoral  services  from  the  churches 
of  East  Penn's  Valley,  West  Penn's  Valley,  Warrior's  Mark,  and  Half 
Moon,  each  agreeing  to  give  him  thirty-two  and  a  half  pounds  in  specie 
for  one-fourth  of  his  time.  These  calls  Mr.  Martin  accepted  and  was 
installed  accordingly.  He  continued  pastor  of  these  four  churches  for 
some  two  years,  when  Warrior's  Mark  and  Half  Moon  were  given  up, 
and  his  labors  were  confined  to  East  and  West  Penn's  Valley.  In  April, 
1793,  Sinking  Creek  Church  having  assumed  an  organized  form,  Mr. 
Martin  ceased  to  supply  West  Penn's  Valley, — now  Spring  Creek, — and 
devoted  his  whole  time  to  East  Penn's  Valley  and  Sinking  Creek. 
A  year  later  he  gave  up  Sinking  Creek  Church  and  continued  to  preach 
at  East  Penn's  Valley  Church  until  the  time  of  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred June  20,  1795.  He  was  buried  in  the  graveyard  of  the  East 
Penn's  Valley  Church,  where  his  remains  lie  beneath  a  slate  or  limestone 
slab,  on  which  is  found  the  following  inscription : 

"  Here  lies  the  body  of  the  Rev.  James  Martin,  pastor  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Congregation  in  Penn's  Valley,  who  died  June  20,  A.D.  1795, 
aged  about  sixty-five  years. 

"  Deep  was  the  wound,  O  death  !  and  vastly  wide. 
When  he  resigned  his  useful  breath  and  died. 
Ye  sacred  tribes,  with  pious  sorrow  mourn. 
And  drop  a  tear  at  your  dear  pastor's  urn. 


SINKING  CREEK.       ELDERS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  255 

Concealed  a  moment  from  out  longing  eyes 

Beneath  this  stone  his  mortal  body  lies. 
Happy  the  spirit  lives,  and  will,  we  trust. 
In  bliss  associate  with  his  precious  dust." 

Mr.  Martin's  reputation,  as  tradition  gives  it,  was  that  of  a  godly 
man,  a  sound  divine,  an  earnest  and  instructive  preacher,  iand  a  success- 
ful pastor.  Of  the  stati.stical  results  of  his  pastorate  we,  unfortunately, 
have  no  record. 

Mr.  Martin  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  David  Wiley,  a  licentiate  of  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  who  was  first  called  by  Cedar  Creek  and 
Spring  Creek  Churches  in  April,  1793,  which  call  he  accepted,  and  was 
ordained  and  installed  by  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  in  the  town  of 
Carlisle,  April  9,  1794,  commissioners  being  present  from  these  churches. 
After  Mr.  Martin's  death  Mr.  Wilej'  was  called  for  half  his  time  to  the 
Sinking  Creek  Church.  This  call  he  accepted,  and  sustained  the  rela- 
tion of  pastor  to  this  church  for  one  year,  when,  in  October,  1797,  he 
resigned  the  charge  of  Sinking  Creek,  but  retained  the  charge  of  Spring 
Creek  for  two  years  longer.  June  12,  1799,  he  resigned  the  charge  of 
Spring  Creek,  at  a  meeting  of  Presbytery  held  in  Spring  Creek  Church. 

From  all  we  can  gather  in  regard  to  Mr.  Wiley,  he  seems  to  have 
been  recognized  as  a  faithful  and  instructive  minister,  an  efficient  pres- 
byter, and  was  held  in  favorable  esteem  by  the  people  of  his  charge. 
No  statistics  as  to  the  results  of  his  pastorate  are  to  be  found. 

After  ]Mr.  Wiley  retired  from  the  charge  of  these  churches,  they 
were  visited  by  Mr.  William  Stuart,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Castle,  who  was  called  March  8,  1801,  to  the  pastorate  of  the 
Sinking  Creek  and  Spring  Creek  and  East  Penn's  Valley  Churches,  each 
asking  one-third  of  his  time.  The  calls  were  presented  and  accepted  at 
a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  held  in  Huntingdon  April  7,  1801,  and  Mr. 
Stuart  was  ordained  and  installed  October  7,  1801,  at  a  meeting  of 
Presbyter)-  held  in  Sinking  Creek  Church.  He  continued  pastor  of  this 
united  charge  until  1805,  when  the  pastoral  relation  with  the  East  Penn's 
Valley  Church  was  dissolved,  and  the  churches  of  Sinking  Creek  and 
Spring  Creek  agreed  each  to  take  one-half  of  his  time.  The  East 
Penn's  Valley  Church  soon  after  this  was  absorbed  by  the  Sinking  Creek 
Church.  In  this  relation  Mr.  Stuart  continued  for  thirty-three  years, 
when,  from  physical  disability,  induced  by  the  fracture  of  a  limb  caused 
by  the  kick  of  a  horse,  received  as  he  was  returning  from  the  Spring 
Creek  Church  on  the  Sabbath,  he  was  compelled  to  resign  his  charge. 


256  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

The  relation  which  had  so  long  and  so  pleasantly  existed  was  dissolved 
April  I,  1834,  in  the  town  of  Huntingdon,  in  the  same  church  in  which 
he  had  assumed  this  relation  thirty-three  years  before.  Mr.  Stuart  lived 
fourteen  years  after  retiring  from  his  work,  in  the  bounds  of  his  former 
charge,  until  March  30,  1848,  when,  after  a  brief  illness,  he  passed 
peacefully  away,  having  attained  the  remarkable  age  of  eighty-nine 
years.  His  remains  lie  entombed  in  the  cemetery  of  the  Sinking  Creek 
Church. 

Mr.  Stuart  was  a  faithful  pastor,  a  sound  and  instructive  preacher, 
and  was  honored  and  beloved  by  his  flock  through  his  long  pastoral 
career.  There  were  received  into  the  communion  of  the  church  under 
his  ministry  five  hundred  and  thirty-four  members.  He  administered 
eleven  hundred  and  forty-five  baptisms,  and  solemnized  the  nuptials  of 
three  hundred  and  si.xty-four  couples. 

A  few  months  after  Mr.  Stuart's  resignation,  a  call  was  presented, 
October  6,  1834,  for  the  pastoral  services  of  Rev.  David  McKinney.  He, 
accepting  the  call,  was  installed  December  20,  1834.  He  continued 
pastor  until  June  9,  1841,  when  he  was  released,  against  the  wishes  of 
his  people,  in  order  to  accept  a  call  from  the  church  of  Hollidaysburg. 
Of  the  results  of  Dr.  McKinney's  pastorate  we  have  few  statistics.  He 
was  an  energetic  pastor,  an  attractive  preacher,  an  efficient  presbyter, 
and  a  man  greatly  beloved  bj'  his  flock. 

In  April,  1842,  ten  months  after  Dr.  McKinney's  retirement.  Rev. 
William  Adams  was  called  from  the  First  Church  of  Chambersburg  to 
become  the  pastor  of  these  united  churches.  Accepting  the  calls,  he 
was  installed  in  May,  1842,  and  continued  pastor  until  October,  1845, — 
three  and  one-half  years, — when,  on  account  of  ill-health,  he  was  com- 
pelled to  resign  his  charge.  Mr.  Adams  was  a  man  of  marked  ability. 
His  sermons  were  always  finished  productions,  but  his  feeble  health 
prevented  his  activity  as  a  pastor,  and  his  usefulness,  from  no  fault  of 
his,  was  not  so  apparent  as  that  of  his  predecessors. 

After  Mr.  Adams  resigned,  Mr.  Robert  Hamill,  a  licentiate  of  the 
Presbytery  of  New  York,  on  invitation,  visited  the  Sinking  Creek  and 
Spring  Creek  Churches  in  November,  1845,  and  a  month  after  was 
unanimously  called  to  become  their  pastor.  Accepting  these  calls,  he 
was  received  by  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  and  was  ordained  and 
installed  as  pastor  in  the  Spring  Creek  Church  on  the  6th  of  May,  1846, 
and  was  installed  as  pastor  of  Sinking  Creek  Church  on  the  5th  of  June 
following.     This  relation  he  sustained  for  twenty-nine  years, — until  April, 


SPRING   CRKEK   (I.HMONT). 


OF   THE    PRESBYTEKY   OF  HUNTINGDON.  257 

1875.  Then,  having  been  called  for  his  whole  time  by  Spring  Creek 
Church,  he  resigned  the  charge  of  Sinking  Creek,  and  served  Spring 
Creek  for  sixteen  years  longer,  thus  completing  a  pastorate  of  forty-five 
years,  when,  on  application  to  Presbytery  for  permission  to  resign  his 
charge,  on  account  of  impaired  health,  he  was,  at  the  request  of  the 
congregation,  retired  from  active  duty  2&  pastor  emeritus. 

During  this  pastorate  Dr.  Hamill  delivered  six  thousand  sermons 
and  addresses,  received  into  the  church  over  one  thousand  members, 
administered  six  iuindred  and  ninety-eight  baptisms,  ordained  twenty 
elders,  attended  over  five  hundred  funerals,  solemnized  two  hundred  and 
five  marriages,  made  over  nine  thousand  pastoral  visits,  and  travelled 
over  fifty  thousand  miles  in  the  execution  of  his  work.  He  baptized, 
received  into  the  church,  and  married  the  parents  and  the  children,  and 
in  some  instances  the  children's  children.  Fourteen  young  men  were 
introduced  into  the  gospel  ministry  from  the  bounds  of  his  charge. 
Many  precious  seasons  of  revival,  with  large  ingatherings,  were  ex- 
perienced.* Four  churches  were  organized  from  colonies  going  out 
chiefly  from  Spring  Creek  Church.  The  means  used  in  the  prosecution 
of  his  work  were  the  direct  presentation  of  the  cardinal  teachings,  doc- 
trinal and  practical,  of  gospel  truth,  pressed  home  upon  the  heart  and 
conscience,  and  coupled  with  faithful  following  up  by  pastoral  visitation 
and  personal  counsel  from  house  to  house.  In  his  labors  the  pastor  was 
sustained,  strengthened,  and  encouraged  by  the  cordial  and  faithful 
co-operation  and  the  earnest  prayers  of  an  efficient  eldership  and  a  loyal 
people.  For  any  precious  results  that  have  accrued  from  this  pastorate 
of  forty-five  years,  the  pastor,  with  his  beloved  and  honored  flock,  have 
ever  desired  and  aimed  to  give  to  God  all  the  glory,  and  to  humble  them- 
selves in  view  of  their  unworthiness  before  him. 

After  Dr.  Hamill's  retirement  from  the  Sinking  Creek  Church,  that 
congregation  called  Mr.  Thomas  A.  Robinson,  a  licentiate  of  Presbytery, 
who,  accepting  the  call,  was  ordained,  and  installed  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Huntingdon  October  27,  1875.  He  remained  witli  the  people  four  years, 
and  left  in  1879.  He  was  followed  by  Mr.  VV.  K.  Foster,  a  licentiate  of 
the  Presbytery,  who  was  ordained  and  installed  November  14,  1882, 
remaining  two  years,  when  he  was  released  in  order  to  accept  a  call  from 
the  Buffalo  and   Mifflinburg  Churches,  of  Northumberland  Presbytery. 

*  A  history  of  these  revivals  the  writer  intended  as  a  part  of  this  sketch,  but,  as  he  has 
gone  already  beyond  the  prescribed  limit,  this  must  be  dispensed  with. 

17 


258  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  J.  Horner  Kerr,  who  was  installed  May 
25,  1886,  and  remained  three  years, — until  August  27,  1889.  Mr.  Kerr 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  H.  C.  Baskerville,  called  to  the  united  churches 
of  Sinking  Creek  and  Spring  Mills,  and  was  installed  by  a  committee  of 
Presbytery  October  28,  1 890.  Mr.  Baskerville  remained  two  and  a-half 
years, — until  July  1 1,  1893.  Since  that  time  this  charge  has  been  served 
by  temporary'  supplies. 

The  Spring  Creek  Church,  some  months  after  the  retirement  of  Dr. 
Hamill,  in  connection  with  the  State  College  Church,  which  had  since 
been  organized,  called  Mr.  James  Heaney,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Heaney,  being  received  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Huntingdon,  and  accepting  these  calls,  was  ordained  and  installed  as 
pastor  at  State  College  May  5,  1892,  and  installed  pastor  at  Spring 
Creek  by  a  committee  of  Presbytery  May  31,  1892.  He  remained  until 
April  9,  1895,  when  he  was  released  to  accept  a  call  from  the  Shamokin 
Church,  Northumberland  Presbyter}'.  October  i,  1895,  a  call  from 
Spring  Creek  Church  was  presented  to  Rev.  David  E.  Hepler  and 
accepted  by  him,  when  a  committee  was  appointed  to  install  him  October 
7,  1895. 

So  far  as  the  writer's  obser\-ation  and  knowledge  go,  he  feels  justified 
in  saying  that  these  different  pastors  served  these  churches  faithfully, 
and  as  the  result  some  precious  fruits  were  gathered  ;  but,  owing  to  the 
brevity  of  the  pastorates  and  the  frequent  changes,  the  churches  have 
not  shared  that  degree  of  prosperity  that  might  have  been  enjoyed  under 
other  circumstances.  We  trust  there  is  in  reserve  for  them  a  brighter 
and  a  more  successful  future,  and  that  they  may  soon  under  more  favor- 
able auspices  stand,  where  in  other  days  they  have  stood,  in  the  front 
rank  among  the  churches  of  our  grand  old  Presbytery.  Death,  emi- 
gration, and  frequent  changes  have  weakened  them,  but  there  are  yet  the 
elements  of  strength  among  them  sufficient  to  make  them  vigorous  pas- 
toral charges.  May  the  Head  of  the  Church,  who  alone  can  do  it,  in 
his  own  way  and  time,  bring  about  such  a  result. 

THE    ELDERSHIP. 

Of  the  earlier  elders  of  the  Sinking  Creek  and  Spring  Creek  Churches 
we  know  but  little,  and  of  them  find  no  special  record. 

In  Sinking  Creek,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  David  Wiley,  we 
find  William  King  and  James  Rankin  named  as  elders.  In  Rev.  William 
Stuart's  time,  George  Woods,  William  Rankin,  David  McKim,  David 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  259 

Van  Dyke,  Joseph  Gilliland,  Samuel  Davis,  and  Henr)-  Boozer  are 
named.  During  Dr.  McKinney's  pastorate,  Joshua  Potter,  William  Mc- 
Closkey,  George  Livingston,  James  Barber,  and  John  W.  In'in  were 
ordained  and  installed  on  March  7,  184 1.  During  Dr.  Hamill's  time, 
William  Milligan,  June  20,  1849;  William  Burnside,  William  Wilson, 
M.D.,  William  Kerr,  November  25,  1855;  Samuel  Van  Tries,  John 
Shannon,  and  Joseph  Carson,  Januarj-  19,  1866;  Philip  Kemp  and 
William  Goodhart,  February  6,  1874.  Subsequently,  George  L.  Good- 
hart  and  George  P.  Rearick,  June  23,  1883,  and  Joseph  M.  Gilliland  and 
Joshua  T.  Potter,  September  20,  1886. 

All  of  these  except  the  last  five  named  have  been  removed  by  death. 
Of  those  who  remain,  William  Goodhart  has  been  transferred  to  Spring 
Mills  Church  and  Joseph  '\\.  Gilliland  to  New  Bloomfield  Church,  leav- 
ing George  L.  Goodhart,  George  P.  Rearick,  and  Joshua  T.  Potter  as  the 
present  Session. 

In  Spring  Creek  Church,  prior  to  1807,  the  names  of  George  Mc- 
Cormick,  David  Barr,  Thomas  Ferguson,  William  Wiley,  and  James 
Ardery  appear.  January  24,  1807,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev. 
William  Stuart,  John  Rankin,  John  Patton,  and  George  McCormick, 
Jr.,  were  ordained  and  installed.  During  Dr.  McKinney's  time,  Decem- 
ber 20,  1834,  George  Boal,  Hyland  Biddle,  John  Wason,  F.  G.  Betts,and 
Evan  Thomas.  During  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  Hamill,  Thomas  Thomas, 
James  Glenn,  Benjamin  J.  Berrj',  M.D.,  were  ordained,  November  26, 
1849;  Moses  Thompson,  William  Thompson,  Griffith  Lytle,  and  Robert 
Goheen,  December  2,  1855;  John  Moore  and  John  Hamilton,  February 
5,  1876;  and  James  Y.  McKee  and  George  Butts,  March  8,  1890.  On 
June  5,  1892,  John  F.  Woods,  M.D.,  John  I.  Thompson,  and  James  C. 
Gilliland  were  ordained  and  installed,  and  on  November  17,  1895,  James 
T.  Stuart,  William  M.  Goheen,  William  Thompson,  Jr.,  George  C. 
Williams,  and  Samuel  Glenn.  Of  the  above  all  have  passed  away 
by  death  except  nine,  and  two  of  these  have  been  transferred  to  the 
State  College  Church,  leaving  as  the  present  Session  of  Spring  Creek 
Church  John  I.  Thompson,  James  C.  Gilliland,  James  T.  Stuart,  William 
M.  Goheen,  William  Thompson,  Jr.,  George  C.  Williams,  and  Samuel 
Glenn. 

Of  the  foregoing  roll  of  elders  in  these  two  churches,  so  far  as  the 
writer  has  known  them,  all  have  seemed  to  be  men  worthy  of  the  office, 
while  some  of  their  number,  with  whom  he  was  more  intimately  con- 
nected, were    more   demonstrative    in    their   activities   and   more  fully 


260  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

marked  by  the  characteristics  that  belong  to  the  scriptural  type. 
Potter,  Wilson,  Carson,  Van  Tries,  and  Kerr,  of  Sinking  Creek,  with 
Boal,  Glenn,  Berry,  the  Thompson  brothers,  Gohecn,  Moore,  and  Woods, 
of  Spring  Creek,  among  the  sainted  ones,  were  no  ordinary  men  as 
office-bearers.  Their  influence  at  all  times  and  everywhere  was  for 
good,  and  it  told  upon  the  church  as  well  as  upon  their  families.  Some 
of  them  seemed  to  live  for  the  interest  of  the  church  and  ever  to  delight 
in  aiming  to  promote  her  prosperity.  Her  welfare  was  ever  near  their 
hearts.  Their  memory  will  ever  be  fragrant  in  the  churches  and  the 
communit)'  of  which  they  formed  a  part. 

It  is  a  comfort  to  know  and  feel  that  in  each  of  these  churches  the 
mantle  of  the  departed  ones  has  fallen  upon  their  successors,  who  are 
acting  well  their  part,  and  upon  whose  fidelity  the  future  prosperity,  not 
to  say  the  existence,  of  these  churches  will  largely  depend. 

Robert  Hamill. 


SINKING   VALLEY. 

Sinking  Valley  Presbyterian  Church  is  one  of  the  oldest  organiza- 
tions of  the  kind  in  Huntingdon  Presbytery.  The  early  records  of  the 
Presbyteries  of  Carlisle  and  Huntingdon  do  not  show  that  the  church 
was  ever  regularly  formed  by  order  of  Presbytery.  "  The  custom  of  the 
Presbyteries  of  Carlisle  and  Huntingdon,  in  the  beginning  of  their  work 
in  this  part  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  was,  in  response  to  supplications 
for  preaching,  to  appoint  supplies  for  different  localities,  and,  if  good 
attendance  and  hopeful  outlook  developed,  to  continue  these  supplies, 
coupled  with  administration  of  the  ordinances  occasionally,  until  these 
gatherings  developed  into  what  they  called  congregations,  and  resolved 
themselves  into  churches  informally."  On  the  records  of  Huntingdon 
Presbytery,  at  its  first  meeting  in  April,  1795,  Sinking  Valley  appears  as 
a  congregation,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  it  was  recognized  by  the  Presby- 
tery of  Carlisle  as  a  congregation  or  church  before  Huntingdon  Presby- 
tery was  organized. 

In  the  year  1790  the  Rev.  David  Bard,  then  pastor  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Bedford,  was  engaged  as  stated  supply,  and,  while  we 
have  no  record  of  preaching  at  this  station  before  that  time,  it  seems  very 
probable  that  there  had  been.  How  long  Rev.  Bard  supplied  the  Sink- 
ing Valley  congregation  with  preaching  during  this  period  is  not  known. 


SINKING   VALLEY  (aRCH    SI'KING).        I'ASTOKs   AND    bLUEKS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  261 

There  was  a  break  in  his  ministration  to  this  people,  for  in  1795  he  was 
not  stated  supply,  but  at  the  time  of  his  death,  181 5,  he  again  was. 

Rev.  James  Martin  was  the  next  to  preach  to  the  Sinking  Valley 
congregation.  The  exact  dates  when  he  began  and  closed  his  services 
here  are  not  known.  He  preached  here  at  some  time  during  his  pastor- 
ate over  the  churches  of  Penn's  Valley,  Warrior's  Mark,  and  Half  Moon, 
between  the  years  1789  and  1795,  in  which  year  he  died. 

Between  the  years  1795  and  1798  the  church  was  coupled  with 
Warrior's  Mark  Presbyterian  Church,  and  with  it  depended  upon 
preaching  by  supplies  appointed  by  Presbytery.  Rev.  John  Johnston 
ministered  in  word  and  doctrine  to  the  church  frequently  during  this  , 
period.  In  April,  1798,  however,  the  united  congregations  of  Spruce 
Creek  and  Sinking  Valley  called  Mr.  Samuel  Bryson,  a  licentiate  of  the 
Huntingdon  Presbyter}'.  Mr.  Bryson  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor 
of  the  two  congregations  November  20,  1798.  Rev.  Bryson  continued 
in  this  charge  between  six  and  seven  years,  from  1798  to  1805.  From 
the  year  1S05,  when  the  Rev.  S.  Bryson  was  released  from  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  churches  of  Spruce  Creek  and  Sinking  Valley,  to  the  year 
18 16  there  is  no  record  of  a  call  from  Sinking  Valley  for  the  ser\'ices  of 
a  minister.  For  a  period  of  thirteen  years  it  seems  to  have  depended  on 
supplies. 

In  November,  18 16,  a  call  was  made  out  by  the  united  congregations 
of  Sinking  Valley  and  Spruce  Creek  for  the  services  of  Rev.  W.  A. 
Boyd,  and  April  2  of  the  following  year  Mr.  Boyd  was  installed  pastor 
of  the  finst-named  church.  During  his  pastorate  in  the  year  1818  a  new 
stone  church  was  built  and  dedicated.  Prior  to  this  date  religious 
services  were  held  in  what  was  known  as  the  "  old  log  meeting-house," 
which  had  probably  stood  since  the  year  1790  or  earlier;  for  when,  May 
9,  18 17,  a  subscription  paper  was  drawn  up  for  the  purpose  of  securing 
subscriptions  for  the  new  church,  it  was  headed  with  the  following 
reasons  in  this  brief  statement :  "  That,  whereas,  it  is  evident  to  all 
observers  that  the  English  Presbyterian  meeting-house  in  Sinking  Valley 
is  much  decayed,  and  too  small  for  the  congregation,  we,  the  subscribers, 
promise  to  pay,"  etc.  Mr.  Boyd  ministered  to  this  people  until  the  fall 
of  1 82 1,  when,  on  account  of  ill  health,  he  resigned  and  was  released  by 
Presbytery  from  the  pastoral  charge. 

Mr.  John  Mcllhenny  was  the  next  to  fill  the  pulpit  of  the  church  for 
a  regularly  appointed  time,  being  in  the  spring  of  1822  engaged  for  one 
year  for  one-half  his  time.  Spruce  Creek  receiving  the  other  half.     Mr. 


262  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Mcllhcnny  was  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  Litterkenny,  Ireland,  and 
during  the  year  he  labored  here  was  a  probationer  in  Huntingdon  Pres- 
bytery. The  following  year  he  was  called  by  the  two  churches  above 
named,  but  when  the  calls  were  laid  before  Presbytery  unfavorable 
reports  concerning  him  were  brought  to  the  notice  of  Presbytery.  Sev- 
eral meetings  of  Presbytery  were  held  for  the  trial  of  this  case,  and  Mr. 
Mcllhenny  was  proven  guilty  of  grossly  immoral  conduct,  even  during 
the  time  of  his  labors  within  the  bounds  of  Presbytery.  His  license  to 
preach  was  revoked. 

Spruce  Creek  did  not  unite  with  Sinking  Valley  in  April,  1823,  in 
the  call  of  the  next  preacher,  Mr.  Samuel  Swan,  a  licentiate  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia,  and  so  Mr.  Swan,  having  continued  with  Sinking 
Valley  as  its  pastor-elect  for  one  year,  declined  the  call  before  Presbytery, 
on  the  ground  of  insufficient  support. 

Rev.  Samuel  Hill  was  stated  supply  of  the  congregations  of  Spruce 
Creek  and  Sinking  Valley  1825,  and  onwards  until  April,  1826,  when  he 
was  called  to  these  two  churches,  each  to  receive  one-half  of  his  time. 
He  was  not  installed  pastor  until  October  of  the  following  year.  He 
ministered  to  this  people  for  nearly  ten  years,  until  June  16,  1835,  with 
lengthy  sermons,  with  strong'  doctrine,  and,  at  the  same  time,  with 
a  practical  enforcement  of  the  truth  which  was  of  the  strictest.  During 
this  period  Rous's  version  of  the  Psalms  was  rigidly  adhered  to ;  the 
communion  was  served  at  tables  ;  and  the  Saturday  preceding  the  cele- 
bration of  the  Lord's  Supper  each  communicant  was  provided  with 
a  token,  which  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  present  the  following  day,  in 
order  to  insure  him  the  privilege  to  commune.  While  Mr.  Hill  was 
pastor  of  the  church  her  total  membership  reached  one  hundred  and 
forty.  For  three  years  after  his  release  the  congregation  was  without  a 
regular  pastor,  and  seems  in  that  time  to  have  retrograded  considerably. 
Her  eldership  dwindled  down  to  one,  and  the  records  state  that  only 
thirty-eight  persons  communed  at  the  March  communion,  1838. 

In  May,  1838,  Rev.  John  McKinncy  was  installed  pastor  of  Sinking 
Valley  Church  for  one-fourth  of  his  time,  Alexandria  engaging  his 
services  for  the  other  three-fourths.  Mr.  McKinney  was  released  from 
the  pastoral  charge  of  Sinking  Valley  in  the  year  1845,  though  he 
continued  his  pastoral  relations  with  Alexandria  until  1848. 

In  1845,  we  find  Sinking  Valley  uniting  with  Williamsburg  in  the 
call  of  Rev.  W.  J.  Gibson,  D.D.,  who  was  to  give  to  each  one-half  of  his 
time.     From  the  beginning  of  this  pastorate  to  the  present  time  God's 


■r 
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> 


5 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTLXGDOM.  263 

grace  in  adding  to  the  church  such  as  shall  be  saved  has  been  wonder- 
fully manifest.  Dr.  Gibson  continued  pastor  of  the  church  until  1852, 
when  he  was  released  by  Presbytery,  and  accepted  a  call  to  Lick  Run. 

From  June,  1853,  to  April,  1857,  Rev.  D.  L.  Hughes  as  pastor  gave 
Sinking  Valley  one-half  of  his  time  and  to  Spruce  Creek  the  other  half. 
Fifty- four  persons  were  added  to  the  church  as  a  result  of  Mr.  Hughes's 
brief  labors  here.  During  his  ministry  in  1S54  Tyrone  became  one  of 
the  preaching  points  in  connection  with  Sinking  Valley,  and  its  Session 
held  some  of  its  meetings  in  the  union  church  of  Tyrone,  and  admitted 
members  to  the  church. 

December  15,  1857,  the  Rev.  John  Elliott  was  installed  pastor  for 
one-half  of  his  time.  Sinking  Valley  having  united  again  with  Spruce 
Creek  in  this  call.  This  pastorate  ended  in  1861,  and  the  Rev.  Orr 
Lawson  was  called  and  installed  pastor  for  one-half  of  his  time.  Bell's 
Mills  taking  the  other  half 

Sinking  Valley  soon  called  Mr.  Lawson  for  all  his  time,  and  for 
several  years  thereafter  remained  an  independent  charge.  Before  the 
close  of  his  pastorate  in  1869  an  excellent  parsonage  was  built  and  paid 
for,  at  a  cost  of  six  thousand  dollars. 

In  1S70  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Coale  was  installed  pastor  of  the  church,  which 
continued  to  contribute  singly  to  his  support  until,  in  1871,  a  church  was 
organized  in  the  village  of  Spruce  Creek,  and  named  the  Lower  Spruce 
Creek  Presbyterian  Church.  This  church,  an  offshoot  from  Sinking 
Valley,  took  from  the  mother  church  fifty  or  more  of  its  members  and  a 
number  of  its  supporters,  and  ever  since  its  organization  until  the  present 
time  has  contributed  one-half  of  the  pastor's  salary. 

In  the  year  1885  the  stone  church  of  Sinking  Valley  was  torn  down, 
and  a  new  one,  of  stone  and  brick,  was  erected  upon  the  same  site,  cost- 
ing when  furnished  about  nine  thousand  dollars.  A  memorial  sermon 
was  prepared  and  preached  by  the  pastor.  Rev.  Coale,  shortly  before 
the  old  stone  church  was  removed,  of  which  sermon  this  history  is  prac- 
tically a  condensation.  Mr.  Coale  was  released  from  the  pastoral  charge 
of  Sinking  Valley  and  Lower  Spruce  Creek  in  the  spring  of  1892,  and 
May  20  of  the  following  year  Rev.  S.  \V.  Young  was  installed  pastor  of 
Sinking  Valley  for  one-half  of  his  time.  Lower  Spruce  Creek  taking  the 
other  half.  During  the  two  years  of  this  pastorate,  which  still  continues, 
there  have  been  forty-two  persons  added  to  the  church,  thirty-three  of 
this  number  having  been  admitted  on  profession  of  their  faith.  The 
present  membership  of  the  church  numbers  one  hundred  and  sixty. 


264  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

The  following  is  a  list  of  ruling  elders  of  the  church  as  far  as  imper- 
fect and  lost  records  make  it  possible  to  prepare  it :  Messrs.  Thomas 
Wilson,  Colonel  Moore,  Angus  Sinclair,  Squire  Kile,  James  Wilson, 
John  Clark,  John  Owens,  James  Mitchell,  John  M.  Tussey,  Armstrong 
Crawford,  Alexander  Dysartt.  Perry  Moore,  Jesse  Fisher,  Alexander 
Templeton,  John  A.  Crawford,  J.  A.  Louder,  and  Joseph  H.  Morrow. 
The  four  last  named  are  at  present  in  acti\e  service. 

The  hi.storj-  of  the  churches  shows  that  Sinking  Valley  Presbyterian 
Church  has  been  the  mother,  as  it  were,  of  four  churches  of  this  denomi- 
nation,— Logan's  Valley,  Birmingham,  Tyrone,  and  Lower  Spruce  Creek. 

S.  W.  Young. 


SPRING   MILLS. 


This  was  organized  in  1841  as  a  New  School  Church,  and  was  served 
in  connection  with  Hublersburg,  also  New  School,  until  the  reunion  in 
1870.  Since  1870  it  has  been  served  in  connection  with  Sinking  Creek 
Church. 

Its  pastors  and  supplies  since  the  reunion  were  Thomas  A.  Robinson, 
William  K.  Foster,  H.  C.  Baskerville,  J.  W.  Boal,  etc.  The  names  of  the 
earlier  pastors  or  supplies  I  have  not  at  hand. 

It  was  for  a  long  time  a  fairly  strong  church.  Peter  Wilson  was  a 
leading  elder  for  many  years.  His  son,  James  D.  Wilson,  D.D.,  deceased, 
lately  of  the  Central  Church,  New  York,  was  from  this  church. 

Its  elders  now  are  William  Goodheart,  William  Rearick,  C.  P.  Long, 
and  Thomas  Yearick.     Its  membership  is  twenty-four, 

R.  F.  Wilson. 


SPRUCE    CREEK. 


When  the  Spruce  Creek  Church  was  organized  is  not  known.  Pres- 
byterian families  settled  in  this  valley  as  early  as  1788.  This  church  is 
mentioned  on  the  Minutes  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery  at  its  first  meeting 
in  1795,  and  occasional  supplies  were  appointed  for  it,  till  the  year  1798, 
when,  at  the  meeting  of  Presbyterv'  held  in  the  house  of  Robert  McCart- 
ney, Rev.  Samuel  Bryson  was  ordained  and  installed  as  pastor  of  this 
and  Sinking  Valley  Churches.     Previous  to  his  settlement  the  people 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUXTIXGDOX.  265 

of  this  congregation  probably  attended  senices  at  the  Warrior  Mark's 
Church  in  Dr>-  Hollow,  where  the  Rev.  James  Martin  preached  statedly. 
Mr.  Bryson  was  promised  one  hundred  and  fort\--four  pounds  by  the  two 
congregations,  so  that  there  must  have  been  quite  a  number  of  families 
by  that  time  in  the  two  churches.     He  served  this  church  till  1 803. 

With  the  exception  of  some  supplies,  the  church  was  vacant  from 
1803  to  18 17,  when  the  Rev.  W.  A.  Boyd  was  called.  He  resigned  in 
1823,  owing  to  ill  health.  He  was  an  able  preacher,  and  won  the  affec- 
tions of  his  people;  but  his  earthly  service  was  short;  he  died  the  13th 
of  June,  1823.     Mr.  J.  McElhenny  was  stated  supply  for  six  months. 

From  1825  t^o  1843  Rev.  Samuel  Hill  was  pastor.  He  was  an  ex- 
ceedingly able  preacher  and  a  strong  Calvinist,  and  through  him  the 
church  attained  that  high  regard  for  sound  doctrine  and  steadfast  ortho- 
doxy which  has  distinguished  them  ever  since.  It  was  his  custom  to 
preach  two  sermons  on  the  Sabbath,  the  f)eople  bringing  their  lunch  to 
church  with  them  ;  after  the  morning  sermon  recess  was  given  for  lunch, 
and  then  the  afternoon  sermon  was  begun,  which  often  lasted  till  dark. 
The  people  walked  fiv-e  or  si.x  miles,  the  aged  rode  on  horseback.  From 
old  "church  duplicates"  we  learn  that  in  1833  there  were  about  fifty-five 
families  in  the  congregation,  that  they  paid  Mr.  Hill  three  hundred 
dollars  for  half  of  his  time,  and  that  the  pews  were  rented.  In  1830  the 
log  church,  which  had  been  used  up  to  that  time,  was  superseded  by  a 
frame  building.*  Mr.  Hill's  ministn,'  was  a  long  and  faithful  one,  and 
the  church  prospered  under  his  care.  He  laid  great  stress  upon  sound 
doctrine  and  upon  the  inculcation  of  the  Westminster  system  of  truth 
into  the  minds  of  young  and  old. 

From  1845  '^o  1865  was  the  stormiest  period  of  this  church's  history. 
The  psalmody  was  the  bone  of  contention,  and  the  question,  once 
raised,  would  not  down.  Previous  to  this  time  the  metrical  version  of 
the  Psalms  made  by  Francis  Rous,  a  member  of  the  House  of  Commons, 
which  was  published  in  1646,  was  used  exclusively  by  this  church.  The 
General  Assembly  having  published  about  that  time  their  book  of 
Psalms  and  Hymns,  many  in  the  congregation  began  to  favor  its  intro- 
duction. While  Rev.  J.  White  was  pastor  (1845- 1847)  the  controversy 
on  this  subject  broke  out  with  great  bitterness,  and  he,  wearied  with 
strife,  resigned  before  it  was  settled.     All  but  two  of  the  Session  of  eight 


*  I  am  greatly  indebted  to  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Kelley  for  many  of  the  facts  of  the  early  history 
of  this  church. 


266  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

elders  were  in  favor  of  the  use  of  Rous's  version ;  but  a  petition  signed 
by  fifty-eight  members  of  the  church  being  sent  up  to  the  Session  Feb- 
ruary 22,  1S47,  they  called  a  congregational  meeting  to  decide  whether 
Rous's  version  or  the  General  Assembly's  late  collection  of  Psalms  and 
Hymns  should  be  the  established  psalmody  of  this  church  in  future.  At 
this  congregational  meeting,  held  March  i,  1847,  the  vote  was  forty- 
seven  to  thirty-seven  in  favor  of  the  General  Assembly's  book.  The 
Session  at  a  meeting  held  April  1 1  instructed  their  commissioner  to 
Presbytery  to  request  that  body  to  send  a  commission  to  inquire  into 
and  tr\'  to  adjust  the  difficulties  that  had  arisen  in  this  congregation. 
May  29  the  Session  passed  the  following  resolutions : 

"  Resolved,  first.  That  the  friends  of  Rous's  version  have  the  organization  of  the  Spruce 
Creek  Church ;  second.  That  the  friends  of  Rous's  version  of  David's  Psalms  have  a  right  to 
have  that  version  sung  in  the  Spruce  Creek  Church  by  at  least  half  the  supplies  granted  them 
by  the  Presbyter)'  at  their  last  meeting." 

Against  the  above  action  of  the  majority  of  the  Session  Adam 
Rankin,  the  minority  member,  and  one  of  the  ablest  elders  then  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  complained  to  Presbytery,  and  the  complaint  was 
sustained,  and  Presbytery  deemed  it  expedient  to  divide  the  congrega- 
tion, and  did  so  divide  it  at  the  October  meeting,  and  declared  the 
majority  in  the  late  vote  on  the  psalmody  to  be  the  original  or  First 
Church  of  Spruce  Creek,  and  the  minority  (or  old  psalmody  party)  to  be 
called  the  Second  Church  of  Spruce  Creek.  Six  of  the  original  elders 
withdrew  to  the  Second  Church,  and  of  this  Second  Church  Rev.  Israel 
Ward  was  pastor  from  1848  to  1853,  and  the  Rev.  Thomas  Stevenson 
from  1854  to  1859.  We  are  sorry  the  records  of  this  church  ha\e  not 
come  down  to  us. 

The  Session  of  the  First  Church  being  almost  broken  up  by  the 
withdrawal  of  the  six  who  favored  Rous's  version,  Presbytery  ordered 
the  election  of  additional  elders,  which  was  done  at  a  congregational 
meeting  held  October,  1847. 

Of  this  First  Church  Rev.  D.  L.  Hughes  was  the  energetic  pastor 
from  1848  to  1857.  Although  the  church  had  been  much  weakened  by 
the  dissension,  yet  by  his  faithful  labors  it  was  greatly  prospered  in  tem- 
poral and  spiritual  things.  During  his  pastorate  the  present  massive 
stone  structure  and  the  manse  were  built.* 

•In  the  year  1856  this  church  contributed  six  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  to  church 
extension  in  Tyrune  City. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HVNTIXGDON.  267 

On  his  resignation,  Mr.  John  Elliott  was  called  to  the  pastorate,  with 
a  view  to  effecting  a  union  of  the  two  churches.  February  22,  1859,  the 
congregation  of  the  First  Church  passed  unanimously  a  resolution 
cordially  inviting  the  Second  Church  to  unite  with  them  in  all  their 
church  privileges,  and  to  unite  with  them  in  prayer  to  God  for  his  spirit, 
that  all  might  be  "  revived  and  united  together  as  one  man  for  the  pro- 
motion of  God's  glory."  It  was  thought  by  some  that  the  use  of  the 
General  Assembly's  book  containing  fifty  selections  from  Rous's  version 
at  the  back  would  further  union  and  harmony.  Some  time  afterwards 
Mr.  ElUott,  no  doubt  from  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  a  full  and  cordial 
union,  and  from  a  generous  desire  to  make  the  friends  of  Rous's 
psalmody,  many  of  whom  were  on  that  occasion  present  for  the  first  time 
in  the  First  Church  since  the  division,  feel  more  comfortable,  announced 
that  he  would  hereafter  use  one  of  the  selections  occasionally  and 
requesting  the  people  to  provide  themselves  with  books  containing  them. 
This  created  a  tremendous  excitement :  there  were  no  stools  hurled  at 
his  head,  as  in  the  memorable  case  of  Jennie  Geddes  in  the  Grayfriar's 
church,  but  hymn-books  were  shut  with  a  slam  and  thrown  down  with  a 
spirit  of  strong  disapproval.  The  Session  sustained  the  action  of  the 
pastor,  but  afterwards  some  of  them  blamed  him.  He  seems  to  have 
been  moved  therein  by  a  very  worthy  motive,  but  it  would  have  been 
safer  to  have  had  the  action  of  the  Session  beforehand.  And  we  fear 
that  the  congregation  forgot  their  "  cordial  and  unanimous"  resolution 
of  February  22,  as  well  as  the  becoming  propriety  of  God's  house. 

The  Second  Church  disbanded  and  came  into  the  First,  forty  in 
number,  by  certificate,  at  the  next  communion.  May,  1859.  Mr.  Elliott 
resigned  in  1861. 

Rev.  William  Alexander,  then  a  licentiate,  was  stated  supply  for  six 
months  during  1S61.  He  is  well  known  in  the  church  as  professor  in 
the  Theological  Seminary'  at  San  Francisco. 

From  1862  to  1865  Rev.  C.  A.  Hills  was  pastor.  At  that  time  there 
were  one  hundred  and  sixty  communicants,  the  salar>'  paid  was  one 
thousand  dollars,  and  the  church  gave  to  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions 
in  the  year  1862  twelve  hundred  and  forty-four  dollars,  largely  the  con- 
tribution of  David  Stewart,  Esq.,  whose  family  inherited  his  love  for  the 
mission  work  of  the  church.  Mr.  Hills  was  diligent  and  faithful,  and, 
although  the  contention  over  the  psalmody  remained  as  a  thorn  in  his 
flesh,  being  the  chief  cause  of  his  removal,  yet  the  church  prospered 
greatly  under  his  care. 


268  THE   CEXTEAW/AL   jlXAIVERSARY 

Before  he  was  called  the  Session  had  decided  to  leave  the  use  of  the 
selections  from  Rous's  version  to  the  discretion  of  the  pastor,  and  he  used 
them  part  of  the  time.  A  petition  numerously  signed  having  been  sent 
up  to  the  Session,  requesting  a  congregational  meeting  to  vote  whether  the 
selections  from  Rous's  version  should  or  should  not  be  used  in  the  future, 
a  meeting  was  held  November  20,  1865,  at  which  the  selections  were 
discontinued  by  a  vote  of  seventy-five  to  twenty-four.  This  was  after 
Mr.  Hills  resigned,  but  before  his  departure. 

A  complaint  against  the  above  action  of  the  Session  and  congregation 
was  taken  to  Presbyterj'  by  three  leaders  of  the  Second  Church,  or 
psa'mody  party,  who  were  now  members  of  the  reunited  church.  Pres- 
bytery refused  to  sustain  the  complaint,  and  sent  down  to  the  church  the 
following  action : 

"  Resolved,  That,  in  refusing  to  sustain  the  complaint,  Presbytery  fully  sustains  the  action 
of  Session  and  congregation  .  .  .  complained  of,  and  judge  that  hereafter  it  shall  be  under- 
stood that  the  pastor  of  Spruce  Creek  Church  shall  have  the  same  liberty  enjoyed  by  the  min- 
ister of  any  other  church  in  the  matter  of  psalmody;  for  the  following  reasons:  I,  because 
there  does  not  appear  to  have  been  any  ground  for  complaint ;  2,  concession  has  failed  to  give 
peace ;  3,  has  fostered  strife ;  4,  has  embarrassed  the  labors  of  each  successive  pastor  of  the 
Spruce  Creek  Church,  and  hindered  the  cause  of  Christ." 

Thus  the  question  which  had  been  the  bone  of  contention  and  had 
disturbed  the  peace  and  hindered  the  usefulness  of  this  church  for  over  a 
quarter  of  a  century  was  finally  settled  by  Presbytery,  April,  1866. 

From  1866  to  1869  Rev.  S.  S.  Orris  was  pastor.  He  was  a  man  of 
scholarly  attainments,  deep  piety,  and  fer\'ent  zeal,  and  was  untiring  in 
his  efforts  to  further  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  people.  He  kept  no 
horse,  but  made  his  pastoral  visits  on  foot,  a  feat  little  less  than  marvel- 
lous when  one  remembers  that  this  is  a  congregation  of  "  magnificent 
distances."  One  day,  during  a  heavy  snow-storm,  a  family  five  miles 
distant  from  the  manse  were  surprised,  on  answering  their  door-bell,  to 
find  the  pastor,  and  doubly  surprised  when  they  learned  that  he  had  come 
through  the  deep  snow  on  foot  to  ask  the  daughter,  who  was  to  be  married 
the  next  day,  whether  he  might  conclude  the  ceremony  by  kissing  her. 
Another  incident  still  more  characteristic  of  him  :  a  family  were  absent 
from  church  on  Sabbath  because  of  the  bad  weather ;  on  Monday  he 
walked  four  miles  through  the  same  storm  to  inquire  the  reason  of  their 
absence,  and  was  chagrined  when  the  head  of  the  house  replied  that  the 
weather  was  too  bad !  Large  accessions  were  made  to  the  church  during 
his  pastorate.     There  were  one  hundred  and  forty-nine  members  when 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  269 

he  came,  and  two  hundred  and  two  when  he  left.  Mr.  Orris  has  been 
the  honored  professor  of  Greek  for  many  years  in  the  College  of  New 
Jersey. 

December  20,  1869.  a  call  was  made  out  for  Rev.  J.  C.  Kelley,  who 
began  his  long  and  useful  pastorate  January  i,  was  installed  June  15, 
1870,  and  resigned  December,  1890.  This  was  the  longest  pastorate  the 
church  ever  had.  This  church  was  now  harmonious  after  long  and 
bitter  strife,  and  had  become  one  of  the  most  influential  in  this  part  of 
the  State,  both  as  to  the  intelligence  and  wealth  of  its  people.  The 
Session  was  very  able.  In  the  year  1873  this  church  gave  to  Foreign 
Missions  fourteen  hundred  and  twenty-nine  dollars,  and  liberally  to  the 
other  boards.  Mr.  Kelley's  ministry  was  signally  blessed,  and  we  are 
still  reaping  the  fruits  of  his  faithful  sowing. 

November  21,  1891,  a  call  was  issued  for  Rev.  T.  S.  Armentrout,  of 
New  Castle  Presbytery,  who  began  preaching  January-  i,  1892,  and  was 
installed  the  following  June. 

This  church  has  gi\'en  three  of  her  noble  sons  to  the  ministry  of  the 
gospel, — Rev.  J.  M.  Goheen,  missionary  to  India;  Rev.  J.  C.  Oliver,  of 
Blairsville  Presbytery;  and  Mr.  J.  O.  C.  McCracken,  a  member  of  the 
middle  class  in  Alleghany  Seminary.  Tliere  have  been  many  able  and 
devoted  elders  in  her  Session  during  the  century  of  her  history.  The 
Women's  Auxiliary  Mission  Societj'  deserves  special  commendation.  It 
is  now  twenty-three  years  old,  and  has  done  much  for  Christ.  In  the 
century  past  divine  grace  has  here  had  a  fruitful  field,  in  which  many 
saintly  characters  have  ripened  for  heaven ;  here  many  souls  have  been 
made  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb ;  many  will  be  able  to  say  in  that 
great  day,  blessed  is  this  Spruce  Creek  Church,  for  here  I  was  born  into 
the  kingdom  of  God.  May  the  breezes  of  the  new  century  shake  out  the 
creases  of  the  old  blue  banner  lifted  up  here  in  the  name  of  our  God  by 
our  ancestors,  and  long  and  free  may  she  wave  over  this  valley;  in  this 
church  may  the  true  doctrine  of  the  gospel  ever  be  expounded  to  teach 
our  cliildren  how  to  glorify  God  and  to  enjoy  him  forever. 

T.  S.  Armentrout. 


270  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

STATE   COLLEGE. 

During  the  years  1885  and  1886,  there  being  at  that  time  neither 
church  nor  Sabbath-school  in  the  village  of  State  College,  Centre 
County,  Pennsylvania,  earnest  efforts  were  made  to  secure  some  room  in 
which  to  hold  a  Sabbath-school  for  children  who  did  not  attend  such 
services  elsewhere.  These  efforts  having  failed,  a  subscription  paper 
was  drawn  up  and  circulated,  October  21,  1886,  for  the  erection  of 
a  building  for  Sabbath-school  and  other  religious  uses,  the  title  to  the 
property  to  be  vested  in  three  trustees,  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  Among  those  who  contributed  liberally  and  afterwards  labored 
earnestly  for  the  advancement  of  Christian  work  were  some  who  were 
not  members  of  the  Presbyterian  body.  About  sixteen  hundred  dollars 
having  been  promised,  in  addition  to  building-lots  valued  at  five  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars,  the  building  committee,  consisting  of  John  Hamilton, 
John  W.  Stuart,  and  James  Y.  McKee,  who  were  also  the  tru.stees, 
adopted  building  plans  for  the  present  house  of  worship,  and  announced 
to  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  in  February,  1888,  that  the  building 
was  completed,  at  a  cost  of  about  four  thousand  dollars  when  furnished, 
and  would  be  ready  for  use  during  the  following  month.  On  a  Sabbath 
in  March  of  that  year  the  house  was  dedicated,  Rev.  Joshua  D.  Russell, 
of  Altoona,  preaching  the  sermon,  and  Rev.  Robert  Hamill,  D.D.,  and 
Rev.  George  Elliott  taking  part  in  other  services. 

From  that  time  forward  the  house  thus  dedicated  was  occupied  everj^ 
Sabbath  by  a  Sabbath-school  service  in  the  morning,  and  also,  when 
there  was  not  a  preaching  service  in  the  evening,  by  an  evening  prayer- 
meeting.  In  May,  1888,  the  Spring  Creek  congregation,  within  whose 
bounds  this  movement  was,  voted  to  give  to  the  part  of  the  congregation 
at  State  College  one-half  of  the  preaching  service  of  the  pastor,  Rev. 
Robert  Hamill,  D.D.  The  Presbyterians  worshipping  at  State  College 
at  this  time  became  in  many  respects  a  separate  organization,  raising 
through  their  own  officers  money  for  congregational  and  Sabbath-school 
use,  and  having  weekly  preaching,  with  occasional  ministration  of  the 
sacraments  in  their  place  of  worship.  On  the  first  Sabbath  of  August, 
1889,  there  was  established  in  connection  with  this  organization  a  Young 
People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor, — the  first  in  Centre  County, — 
which  held  weekly  meetings  thenceforward,  and  which,  as  well  as  the 
Sabbath-school,  proved  a  valuable  helper. 

In  February,  1890,  the  Session  of  the  Spring  Creek  congregation 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDOX.  2Jl 

showed  its  regard  for  the  needs  of  this  section  by  calling  a  meeting  of  the 
congregation  at  State  College  to  elect  two  additional  elders  resident  in  that 
vicinity.  James  Y.  McKee  and  George  C.  Butz  were  chosen  at  this  meet- 
ing and  later  were  ordained  and  installed  by  Rev.  Dr.  Hamill,  the  pastor. 

A  petition  to  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  for  an  organization  as  a 
congregation  was  prepared  and  signed  by  sixty-two  persons,  members  or 
supporters,  and  received  the  assent  of  Spring  Creek  congregation  at 
a  meeting  held  October  6,  1890.  This  petition  was  presented  to  Presby- 
tery at  its  meeting  in  Tyrone,  October  8,  1S90,  by  a  commissioner  duly 
appointed,  and  was  referred  to  a  commission,  with  power  to  act.  Timely 
notice  having  been  given,  the  commission,  consisting  of  Rev.  Dr.  Hamill, 
Rev.  Dr.  Laurie,  and  James  Harris,  elder,  of  Bellefonte,  convened  at  the 
call  of  the  chairman  at  State  College,  December  i,  1890,  and  organized 
the  State  College  Presbyterian  Church,  receiving  by  certificates  fifty- 
eight  persons  previously  members  of  Spring  Creek  congregation.  These 
members  elected  as  their  ruling  elders  John  Hamilton,  James  Y.  McKee, 
and  George  C.  Butz,  who,  having  previously  been  elders  in  the  Spring 
Creek  congregation,  were  at  once  installed.  The  work  of  the  commission 
being  completed,  a  congregational  meeting  was  held,  and  John  Hamilton, 
John  W.  Stuart,  and  James  H.  Holmes  were  chosen  trustees  to  manage 
the  secular  concerns  of  the  church. 

Dr.  Hamill,  who  was  pastor  of  the  Spring  Creek  congregation  for  an 
uninterrupted  period  of  forty-five  years,  tendered  his  resignation,  owing 
to  his  failing  health,  and  declared  the  pulpits  of  the  now  two  congrega- 
tions vacant  on  November  9,  1890.  From  this  time  until  February, 
1892,  preaching  was  conducted  at  short  intervals  by  supplies  appointed 
by  a  committee  of  Presbytery.  On  December  24,  1891,  the  congrega- 
tion suffered  the  loss  of  a  wise  counsellor  and  a  faithful  member  in  the 
death  of  one  of  its  elders,  James  Y.  McKee.  He  was  a  devout  Christian 
and  an  active  Presbyterian. 

At  a  congregational  meeting  held  January  19,  1892,  for  the  purpose 
of  choosing  a  pastor,  a  unanimous  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  James 
Heaney,  who  was  simultaneously  chosen  by  the  Spring  Creek  congrega- 
tion to  be  their  pastor  also.  The  call  was  accepted,  and  regular  preach- 
ing services,  once  each  Sabbath,  were  again  established.  Rev.  James 
Heaney  continued  to  minister  to  this  people  until  May  i,  1895.  During 
this  time  the  membership  of  the  church  steadily  increased,  and  the  last 
of  the  indebtedness  incurred  in  building  and  furnishing  the  house  of 
worship  was  removed. 


272  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

An  active  Ladies'  Missionary  Society  is  one  of  the  working  forces  of 
the  church,  doing  good  service  at  home  and  abroad.  The  Christian 
Endeavor  Society  has  trained  many  timid  members,  who  have  developed 
into  active  Christians,  doing  very  efficient  service,  and  has  been  a  home 
for  many  students  of  the  State  College  who  were  members  of  Christian 
Endeavor  Societies  in  various  parts  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania. 

George  C.  Butz. 


TYRONE. 


The  first  Presbyterian  services  were  held  by  Rev.  Daniel  L.  Hughes, 
pastor  of  Spruce  Creek  First  and  Sinking  Valley  Churches,  at  long  but 
stated  intervals,  in  the  school  building  on  Spring  Street,  later  known  as 
the  Caldwell  building.  Then  came  the  petition  asking  Presbytery  to 
organize  a  Presbyterian  Church  here.  The  request  was  granted, — with 
grave  fears,  however,  of  its  advisability, — and  Revs.  John  Elliott,  O.  O. 
McClean,  and  A.  B.  Clarke,  with  Elders  Jonathan  Hamilton  and  David 
G.  Hunter,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  organize  a  church,  if  the  way 
be  clear.  This  was  at  the  meeting  of  Presbytery  in  Sinking  Valley, 
October  7,  1856. 

April  7,  1857,  Revs.  O.  O.  McClean  and  John  Elliott,  members  of 
that  committee,  met  at  Tyrone,  Pennsylvania,  and  held  di\ine  service. 
Rev.  O.  O.  McClean  preached  from  i  Cor.  ii.  2 :  "  For  I  determined  not 
to  know  anything  among  you  save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified." 
Adam  Leffard,  Mary  Leffard,  Joseph  Hagerty,  John  H.  Patterson,  Selina 
G.  Thomas,  Elizabeth  Jones,  Sarah  Gingerich,  Keziah  Donnelly,  Sarah 
Crowther,  Emily  Crowther,  and  Margaret  Peightel  were  among  the  first 
members.  Adam  Leffard  and  Joseph  Hagerty  were  chosen,  ordained, 
and  installed  as  elders  of  this  church. 

This  service  was  held  in  the  United  Brethren  church  in  this  place, 
and  all  other  services  as  well,  till  the  lecture-room  of  our  church,  then  in 
course  of  erection,  was  ready  for  use,  Rev.  John  Elliott,  Presbyterial 
missionary,  preaching  and  superintending  the  new  church  building,  with 
Samuel  McCamant,  John  H.  Patterson,  J.  D.  Bell,  and  Joseph  Hagerty 
as  a  building  committee.  The  church  was  built  at  a  cost  of  three 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars.  The  little  band  having  done  their  utmost 
in  paying  for  this  building,  the  Presbytery  authorized  Mr.  Elliott  to  raise 
such  amounts  from  the   churches  as  would  enable  the   Presbytery  to 


REV.   WILLIAM   A.   HOOPER. 
REV.  JOHN  R.  OAVIES,   D.D. 


TYRONE  PASTORS. 

REV.  J.  H.  BARNARD,  D.D. 

REV.   SAMUEL   M.   MOOKE,    D.D. 


KEV. JOHN  H.  CLARKE. 


KEV.  HARVEY  GR/EME  FURBAY,  PH.D. 


OF   IHE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  273 

recommend  the  church  to  the  Board  of  Church  Extension  for  an  amount 
which  would  pay  off  the  entire  debt.  This  was  done.  The  lot  having 
been  donated  for  the  use  of  the  Presb\'terian  Church,  and  the  buildine 
being  finished,  Presbytery  appointed  John  Scott,  Esq.,  of  Huntingdon,  to 
draw  iip  papers  which  would  give  the  propert)'  into  the  hands  of  J.  M. 
Harper,  Adam  Lefifard,  John  Owens,  L.  G.  Grier,  and  W.  H.  Robertson, 
as  trustees  to  hold  it  for  the  Presbytery,  so  that,  in  the  event  of  failure 
to  build  up  a  congregation.  Presbytery  might  hold  the  property,  for  the 
purposes  named,  till  such  time  as  a  Presbyterian  congregation  could  be 
built  up  in  Tyrone. 

In  the  fall  of  1857  Mr.  Elliott  accepted  calls  from  the  churches  of 
Spruce  Creek  and  Sinking  Valley,  declining  the  calls  to  Birmingham  and 
Tyrone,  very  much  to  their  discouragement. 

May  6,  1858,  Rev.  A.  P.  Happer,  M.D.,  a  missionarj'  from  China, 
took  charge  of  the  churches  of  Tyrone  and  Birmingham  as  a  stated 
supply  for  one  year,  while  he  sought  recuperation  and  rest  in  this 
country.  It  was  a  year  of  great  blessing.  An  election  for  one  elder  and 
three  deacons  was  held  August  14,  1858,  resulting  in  the  choice  of  Dr. 
William  Campbell  as  elder,  and  A.  A.  Campbell,  Samuel  McCamant,  and 
J.  H.  Patterson  as  deacons. 

Rev.  G.  W.  Thompson,  of  Tuscarora  Valley,  held  a  series  of  meetings 
here  in  the  fall  of  1858.  He  was  an  able  and  faithful  preacher  of  the 
word.  Only  a  small  result  was  apparent  at  the  time,  but  the  savor  of  it 
remains,  and  these  meetings  are  often  referred  to  as  seasons  of  much 
good  to  the  membership  of  the  church. 

February  28,  1859,  H.  A.  Campbell  was  elected,  ordained,  and 
installed  an  elder  in  this  church.  Rev.  David  Sterrett,  of  Carlisle,  a 
member  of  this  Presbytery,  supplied  Birmingham  and  Tyrone  from  May, 
1859,  to  May,  i860. 

The  churches  of  Birmingham,  Tyrone,  and  Eogan's  Valley  called 
J.  H.  Barnard,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery,  which  call  being  accepted. 
Presbytery  ordained  and  installed  him  as  pastor  June  12,  i860.  This 
pastorate  lasted  till  the  following  December,  when  Mr.  Barnard  accepted 
a  call  to  become  co-pastor  with  the  venerable  Dr.  James  Linn,  of  Kelle- 
fonte,  Pennsylvania. 

Within  a  few  months  Mr.  W.  A.  Hooper,  a  licentiate  of  Miami  Pres- 
bytery, was  called ;  the  call  having  been  accepted,  he  was  ordained  and 
installed  as  pastor  November  27,  1861.  June  21,  1862,  Mr.  John  H. 
Patterson  was  elected,  ordained,  and  installed  an  elder  in  this  church. 

18 


274  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSAR\ 

Mrs.  Samuel  Jones  acted  for  a  time  as  sexton,  making  fires,  ringing 
the  bell,  etc.  Mr.  Ni\'ling  and  she  vied  with  each  other  in  this  good 
work.  Then  the  members  of  Session  took  the  work  among  themselves. 
From  that  time  various  se.xtons  took  charge;  then  the  deacons  took  per- 
sonal charge ;  then  again  we  had  regular  sextons. 

Rev.  John  H.  Clarke,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  served  the  united 
churches  of  Birmingham  and  Tyrone,  as  stated  supply,  from  October, 
1864.  His  impaired  health  and  his  other  engagements  forbade  his 
accepting  calls  to  these  churches  at  this  time. 

In  September,  1865,  Mr.  Adam  Leffard,  an  elder  in  this  church,  was 
dismissed  to  McVeytown.  September  23,  1865,  W.  H.  Robertson  was 
elected  an  elder,  and  inducted  into  office  in  the  usual  form.  S.  W.  Barr 
was  chosen  clerk  of  the  Session. 

The  church  was  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God,  about  this 
time,  by  Rev.  Robert  Hamill,  D.D. 

A  call  for  the  pastoral  labors  of  Rev.  J.  H.  Clarke  was  received  from 
the  church  of  Birmingham  (Rev.  Orr  Lawson,  moderator),  and  b\^  per- 
mission of  the  Presbytery  (which  met  at  Bell's  Mills)  he  held  this  call 
under  advisement  till  the  next  meeting  of  Presbytery.  In  the  spring  of 
1867  Mr.  Clarke  also  received  a  call  from  the  church  of  Tyrone,  which 
he  accepted.  The  call  was  moderated  by  Rev.  William  Prideaux.  Mr. 
Clarke  was  duly  installed  as  pastor,  Rev.  R.  M.  Wallace  presiding  and 
proposing  the  constitutional  questions,  Rev.  Orr  Lawson  preaching  the 
sermon.  Rev.  S.  S.  Orris  delivering  the  charge  to  the  pastor,  and  Rev. 
D.  H.  Barron  the  charge  to  the  people.  Then  for  the  first  time  Tyrone 
stood  alone  as  a  pastoral  charge. 

When  the  church  was  built  it  was  called  "  John  Elliott's  folly,"  and 
when  Brother  Clarke  was  called  here  he  was  asked  by  some  if  he  "  ex- 
pected the  ravens  to  feed  him."  There  still  lingered  the  feeling  that  the 
church  would  fail.  If  it  was  not  killed,  it  was  not  for  want  of  discour- 
agements :  the  race  of  Sanballats  and  Tobiahs  evidently  was  not  e.xtinct. 

The  congregation  did  nobly.  Mr.  Clarke  was  a  man  of  great  culture, 
and  brought  to  his  work  a  wise  head  and  a  consecrated  heart.  He  was  a 
wise  leader,  had  quick  perception  of  what  was  fitting,  and  unerringly  did 
it.  During  his  labors  here  as  stated  supply  and  pastor  twenty-seven 
were  added  on  examination  and  forty-four  by  certificate.  There  were  five 
adult  baptisms  and  twenty-eight  infant  baptisms. 

In  the  Birmingham  field  he  had  much  more  abundant  results  to  his 
ministry.     In  the    midst  of  much   discomfort   and    discouragement    he 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  275 

labored  ;  the  church  grew  much  and  was  strengthened.  A  fine  preacher 
with  a  character  not  gilded  but  golden,  the  Lord  blessed  him  in  his  work. 
His  health  failed  him,  and  he  went  to  the  Northwest  to  visit  his  brother 
hoping  to  be  benefited  by  the  climate.  During  his  absence  Presbytery 
supplied  the  pulpit  three  Sabbaths  out  of  four,  Rev.  Samuel  Lawrence 
supplying  it  the  remainder  of  the  time.  Mr.  Clarke  handed  in  his  resicr- 
nation  to  Session,  asking  the  congregation  to  join  with  him  in  seeking  a 
dissolution  of  the  pastoral  relation.  With  extreme  reluctance  this  was 
done,  and  the  relation  was  dissolved  in  the  spring  of  1870. 

The  above  is  very  largely  a  transcription  of  the  historical  sermon  that 
was  preached  by  Dr.  Moore  November  6,  18S1. 

Rev.  S.  M.  Moore,  D.D.,  received  a  call  from  this  church  in  October 
1870,  accepted  it,  and  was  installed  on  the  6th  of  December.  He  came 
to  Tyrone  from  Alexandria.  The  Alexandria  Church  consisted  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  members,  the  Tyrone  Church  of  seventy-eight,  and 
there  was  a  corresponding  sacrifice  in  a  financial  point  of  view.  Dr. 
Moore  occupied  this  pulpit  and  continued  to  minister  unto  this  church 
until  the  first  day  of  May,  1887,  when,  owing  to  ill  health,  he  was 
obliged  to  leave  the  pulpit,  and  on  that  day  preached  his  final  sermon. 
From  the  time  of  his  resignation  until  the  day  of  his  death,  October  14, 
1895,  he  was  an  invalid. 

Dr.  Moore  was  the  son  of  the  Rev.  Joshua  Moore,  who  died  while 
he  was  pastor  of  the  East  Kishacoquillas  Presbyterian  Church,  in  April, 
1854.  at  the  age  of  fifty-five  years.  Dr.  Moore  was  born  the  15th  of 
September,  1837.  He  was  prepared  for  college  at  the  Tuscarora  Acad- 
emy, and  was  graduated  by  Lafayette  College.  His  theological  studies 
were  pursued  at  Princeton  Seminary.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  P. 
Johnson,  of  Lewistown,  November  27,  1859.  He  was  buried  October 
17,  1895,  at  Tyrone.  During  his  pastorate  of  sixteen  years  there  were 
received  into  this  church  on  profession  of  faith  three  hundred  and  thirtj-- 
seven,  on  certificate  two  hundred  and  twenty,  making  a  total  of  five 
hundred  and  fifty-seven,  increasing  the  membership  from  seventy-eight 
to  three  hundred  and  twenty-three.  Under  his  ministry  the  church  had 
a  special  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  large  accessions  were  had 
in  the  years  of  1871,  1872,  1874,  and  1881. 

Rev.  John  R.  Davies,  D.D.,  was  installed  pastor  of  this  church  in 
November,  1887,  and  continued  to  be  its  pastor  until  February,  1893. 
Dr.  Davies  is  a  graduate  of  Lafayette  College  and  of  Princeton  Seminar)'. 
During  his  pastorate  one  hundred  and  ninety-two  persons  were  added 


276  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

to  the  church  on  examination,  and  one  hundred  and  forty-six  on  certifi- 
cate, making  a  total  of  three  hundred  and  thirty-eight.  This  increased 
the  membership  of  the  church  from  three  hundred  and  twenty-three  to 
five  hundred  and  three. 

Rev.  Harvey  Graeme  Furbay,  Ph.D.,  was  installed  pastor  here  April 
27,  1893.  During  his  administration  there  have  been  received  to  date 
into  the  fellowship  of  this  church  by  examination  ninety-three,  by  certifi- 
cate eight\"-six,  making  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-nine,  increas- 
ing the  membership  from  five  hundred  and  three  to  six  hundred  and 
forty-five.  Mr.  Furbay  was  born  at  Harrisville,  Ohio,  April  27,  1866. 
He  graduated  from  Franklin  College  in  1888,  from  the  Western  Theo- 
logical Seminary  in  1891  ;  was  licensed  by  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Clairs- 
ville,  and  ordained  by  the  Presbyterj'  of  Clarion,  April  28,  1891.* 

This  congregation  continued  to  worship  in  the  building  already 
referred  to  until  the  new  one  was  erected  and  dedicated  in  1882.  The 
building  committee  consisted  of  S.  S.  Blair,  chairman;  C.  J.  Kegel,  secre- 
tary'; Colonel  S.  McCamant,  Theodore  Shirk,  John  F.  Wilson,  General 
R.  A.  McCoy,  R.  G.  McLanathan,  James  A.  Crawford,  A.  J.  Whitney, 
and  J.  F.  Rung. 

The  church  building  was  of  machine-made  brick,  and  was  sixty  by 
eighty-five  feet.  The  main  audience-room  was  fift\-four  by  fifty-four,  the 
lecture-room  twenty-four  by  thirty-two,  the  study  eighteen  by  twenty- 
four,  and  the  parlor  eighteen  by  twenty-four.  It  would  seat  comfortably 
eight  hundred  and  twenty-five  people.  It  cost  eighteen  thousand  dollars. 
It  was  dedicated  Sunday,  March  18,  1882.  The  dedication  sermon  was 
preached  by  the  Rev.  W.  C.  Cattail,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  president  of  Lafayette 
College.  His  text  was,  "  And  it  came  to  pass,  from  the  time  that  he  had 
made  him  overseer  in  his  house,  and  over  all  that  he  had,  that  the  Lord 
blessed  the  Egyptian's  house  for  Joseph's  sake;  and  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord  was  upon  all  that  he  had  in  the  house  and  in  the  field"  (Genesis 
xxxix.  5).  The  dedication  prayer  was  made  by  Dr.  Moore.  In  order  to 
dedicate  the  house  free  of  debt,  nine  thousand  three  hundred  and  thirty- 
three  dollars  were  raised  on  the  day  of  dedication. 

This  building  was  enlarged  in  the  year  1891.  The  committee  that 
had  it  in  charge  was  S.  S.  Blair,  chairman ;  A.  G.  Morris,  Colonel  S.  Mc- 

*  Dr.  Furbay  was  married,  June  5,  1S90,  to  Miss  Blanche  Campbell,  daughter  of  Rev.  R. 
G.  Campbell,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Greek  in  Franklin  College.  Mrs.  Furbay  died  April  4,  1896. 
Dr.  Furbay  received  a  call  to  the  Oxford  Presbyterian  Church  of  Philadelphia,  April  15,  1896, 
which  he  accepted. 


TYRONE.       ELDERS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  2/7 

Camant,  General  R.  A.  McCoy,  R.  G.  McLanahan,  John  A.  Nivling,  J. 
L.  Porter,  C.  O.  Templeton,  and  R.  S.  Seeds.  The  addition  extended  the 
church  in  length  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet,  enlarging  the  Sunday- 
school  room,  and  making  an  infant-room  above,  class-rooms,  etc.  This 
cost  thirteen  thousand  dollars. 

The  reopening  and  rededication  occurred  October  25,  1891.  Rev.  R. 
F.  Sample,  D.D.,  pastor  of  the  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  in  New 
York  City,  preached  the  sermon.     His  text  was  Acts  v.  8. 

The  real  estate  on  which  this  building  stands,  together  with  the 
manse,  is  worth  about  eleven  thousand  dollars.  Isaac  Pursell  was  the 
architect  of  the  original  church  and  of  the  addition. 

In  1894  a  new  manse  was  erected,  the  old  one  being  one  of  the  oldest 
houses  in  town.  The  committee  having  this  in  charge  was  Theodore 
Shirk,  chairman ;  Dr.  W.  L.  Lowrie,  Joseph  K.  Cass,  A.  G.  Morris,  John 
F.  Wilson,  J.  W.  Moore,  and  A.  M.  LaPorte.  The  man.se  is  a  brick 
building  with  all  modern  improvements  and  conveniences,  and  cost 
about  five  thousand  two-hundred  dollars.  The  total  cost  of  the  property 
as  it  now  stands  is  about  forty-eight  thousand  dollars. 

Since  1871  this  congregation  has  contributed  for  church  support 
over  one  hundred  and  fifteen  thousand  dollars. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  elders,  deacons,  and  trustrees  who  have 
served  this  church : 

ELDERS. 

The  elders,  together  with  the  date  of  ordination,  installation,  dis- 
missal, or  death,  are  as  follows  : 

Adam  Leffard  was  ordained  April  7,  1857,  and  served  until  Novem- 
ber 4,  1865.  Joseph  Hagerty,  ordained  and  installed  at  the  same  time, 
was  active  in  this  capacity  until  his  death,  which  was  in  a  railroad  acci- 
dent, April  or  May,  1 868. 

William  Campbell,  M.D.,  was  inducted  into  this  office,  by  ordination, 
August  29,  1858,  but  was  soon  after  dismissed  to  Moshannon. 

The  next  was  Hugh  A.  Campbell,  who  served  from  February  28, 
1859,  until  he  was  dismissed  to  Spring  Creek. 

There  is  no  record  of  John  H.  Patterson's  ordination,  but  it  evidently 
occurred  at  a  later  date  than  the  above.  He  served  until  his  death  in 
March,  1864. 

William  H.  Robertson  had  been  an  elder  previous  to  his  coming  to 
this  place,  and  was  installed  September,  1865,  holding  the  office  until 
June  23,  1867. 


2/8  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Samuel  W.  Barr,  the  present  clerk,  was  ordained  and  installed  Sep- 
tember 29,  1867  ;  and  at  the  same  time,  John  M.  Harper,  who  died  July 
19,  1887,  and  William  H.  H.  Nivling,  who  was  dismissed  to  Bellefonte 
October  13,  1887. 

As  the  present  Session  is  constituted.  Colonel  Samuel  McCaniant  is 
next  in  order  as  to  length  of  service,  having  been  ordained  February, 
1871.  At  the  same  time  John  Gemmill  was  inducted  into  this  office, 
and  served  until  his  death  in  July,  1876. 

C.  J.  Kegel  was  ordained  December  9,  1877,  and  dismissed  to  a 
Philadelphia  church,  April  25,  1890.  James  A.  Crawford  at  the  same 
time  was  ordained,  and  served  until  his  dismissal  to  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  at  Coalport,  January  20,  1885. 

Rowan  Clarke,  M.D.,  was  installed,  having  served  in  this  capacity  in 
the  Logan's  Valley  Church.     Dr.  Clarke  died  in  April,  1896. 

Samuel  S.  Blair  and  John  F.  Wilson  were  ordained  November  11, 
1883,  and  continue  to  serve  this  church  at  the  present  time. 

Chambers  O.  Templeton,  Esq.,  and  J.  Calvin  Goheen,  a  brother  of 
J.  Milligan  Goheen,  a  missionary  in  India  at  Kolapur,  being  at  the 
present  time  members  of  the  Session,  were  ordained  and  installed  March 
22,  1 89 1.  At  the  same  time  William  C.  Laird  was  installed,  and  served 
until  he  was  dismissed  to  Port  Royal,  July  5,  1895. 

On  December  8,  1895,  J.  Walter  Moore,  son  of  the  former  pastor,  the 
late  Rev.  Samuel  M.  Moore,  D.D.,  was  ordained  and  installed  as  an  elder. 

This  constitutes  the  list  of  elders  who  have  served  in  this  congrega- 
tion from  its  organization. 

DEACONS. 

The  first  deacons  ordained  were  Hugh  A.  Campbell,  Colonel  Samuel 
McCamant,  John  H.  Patterson,  August  29,  1858.  Mr.  Campbell  was 
dismissed  to  Spring  Creek  Church,  and  Mr.  McCamant  ceased  to  act  as 
a  deacon  when  he  was  elected  sheriff  of  Blair  County,  and  dismissed  to 
Hollidaysburg,  December,  i86i.  Mr.  Patterson  continued  in  office  until 
his  death  in  March,  1864. 

The  next  ordination  was  in  February,  1871,  when  Jacob  J.  Russell, 
Joseph  Battin,  C.  J.  Kegel,  and  Samuel  II.  Cree  were  inducted  into  office. 
Mr.  Ru.ssell  was  dismissed  to  Derry,  Penn.sylvania,  July  4,  1880.  Joseph 
Battin  died  April  26,  1887.  Mr.  Kegel,  as  above  noted,  was  ordained  an 
elder  December  9,  1877.  Samuel  H.  Cree,  while  holding  his  member- 
ship in  this  church,  has  ceased  to  act  in  this  capacity,  having  removed 
to  Roaring  Springs,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  now  resides. 


TVKONK.       TH1-:    MANSE. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  279 

Michael  Hamcr,  who  is  at  present  a  deacon,  and  James  A.  Crawford, 
who  was  ordained  an  elder  December  9,  1887,  were  ordained  to  this 
office  October  3,  1875. 

Robert  M.  Bailey,  at  the  present  time  president  of  the  Central  Penn- 
sylvania Telephone  Company,  and  John  F.  Wilson,  now  an  elder, 
together  with  Robert  G.  McLanahan,  who  is  at  present  serving  the 
church  in  this  capacity,  were  ordained  and  installed  December  9,  1877. 
Mr.  Bailey  removed  from  this  place,  and  was  dismissed  to  Milton,  Penn- 
sylvania, June  5,  1883. 

William  O.  Myers,  who  at  present  holds  the  office,  and  Dr.  J.  C.  M. 
Hamilton,  who  was  dismissed  to  Beaver  Falls,  Pennsylvania,  March  30, 
1895,  were  ordained  and  installed  December  5,  1880. 

Herndon  M.  Myers,  dismissed  to  Duliith,  Minnesota,  August  3,  1887, 
C.  B.  Bowles,  at  present  residing  in  Philadelphia,  Charles  A.  Study,  who 
died  August  17,  1891,  and  William  T.  Cannan,  who  is  at  the  present 
time  one  of  the  members  of  this  board  and  superintendent  of  the  Sunday- 
school,  were  ordained  and  installed  November  1 1,  1883. 

J.  Walter  Moore,  recently  ordained  an  elder,  and  Adolphus  M. 
LaPorte,  serving  in  this  capacity  at  this  date,  were  ordained  and  installed 
March  22,  1891. 

Harry  L.  Hesser  and  J.  H.  Grazier  were  inducted  into  this  office,  by 
ordination,  December  8,  1895. 

TRUSTEES. 

Samuel  Jones,  Esq.,  the  date  of  whose  election  is  not  known,  he 
evidently  having  been  elected  at  the  organization  of  the  church,  served 
until  the  time  of  his  death,  July  31,  1894. 

Colonel  Samuel  McCamant  was  elected  April  11,  1869,  and  served 
until  April  3,  1895. 

General  P^obert  A.  McCoy,  who  died  in  September,  1893,  Alexander 
G.  Morris,  John  C.  Ewing,  and  William  T.  Cannan,  were  elected  May  26, 
1890. 

This  church  had  not  been  incorporated.  Through  the  activity  of  Dr. 
Furbay  a  charter  was  taken  out  in  1895,  under  which  a  system  of  by- 
laws was  adopted  which  required  the  election  of  five  trustees  annually, 
together  with  a  board  of  auditors  and  independent  officers  of  the  con- 
gregation, consisting  of  the  president,  secretary,  and  treasurer.  The  first 
election  under  this  charter  was  held  April  3,  1895,  and  resulted  in  the 
choice  of  John  C.  Ewing,  Charles   A.   Morris,  Daniel    D.   Stine,   J.  W. 


280  THE    CENTEXNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Fisher,  and  Joseph  K.  Cass  as  trustees.  This  board  was  organized  with 
Charles  A.  Morris  as  president  and  D.  D.  Stine  as  secretary.  The 
officers  of  the  congregation  were  S.  S.  Blair,  chairman,  William  C.  Barr, 
secretary,  and  Mark  G.  Crawford,  treasurer. 

This  church  is  well  organized,  the  organization,  as  it  exists  at  present, 
being  largely  due  to  the  work  of  Dr.  Moore  and  Dr.  Davies.  There  are 
a  number  of  Mission  Bands,  a  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  a  Young  Ladies'  Aid 
Society,  a  Women's  Home  and  a  Women's  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 
These  are  valuable  to  the  local  organization  and  to  the  church  at  large. 

It  is  not  necessary  here  to  refer  to  the  Young  People's  Society  of 
Christian  Endeavor  and  the  Sunday-school,  because  of  the  full  report 
that  is  given  in  another  place  in  this  volume.  The  Sundaj'-school  edu- 
cated and  now  supports  a  missionary  in  the  mission  in  which  Rev.  J. 
Milligan  Goheen  is  located.  The  name  of  this  native  is  Vitto.  The 
church  takes  considerable  pride  in  this  missionary  work.  The  spirit  of 
the  church  is  intensely  missionary.  It  is  connected  by  bonds  of  blood 
or  affection  with  almost  every  foreign  field  of  our  church. 

Another  interesting  fact  in  connection  with  this  church  is  that  the 
Christian  Endeavor  Society  issues  weekly  (since  January*,  1895),  ten 
months  in  the  year,  a  local  church  paper  of  twelve  columns.  This  is 
valuable  in  enabling  the  pastor  to  reach  the  congregation  every  Saturday 
morning  with  regular  announcements,  and  also  the  needs  of  the  various 
benevolent  agencies  of  the  church.  The  name  of  the  paper  is  "  The 
Tyrone  Endeavorer." 

In  October,  1894,  this  church  entertained  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  points  back  to  that  event  with  pride,  inasmuch  as  the  stated  clerk, 
who  had  served  the  Synod  for  many  years,  publicly  stated  that  never  in 
his  remembrance  had  the  Synod  received  such  accommodations  and 
courtesies  as  at  this  meeting  at  Tyrone,  the  arrangements  for  their  com- 
fort, in  his  judgment,  being  almost  perfect. 

S.  W.  B.ARR. 


UPPER   TUSCARORA. 

This  church  was  organized  by  the  Carlisle  Presbytery,  but  there  is 
no  record  of  the  date. 

The  first  pastor  was  Rev.  Mcllwain,  who  served  the  church  for  about 
eight  years.  After  his  removal  the  church  was  vacant  for  about  twenty 
years. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  28 1 

The  second  pastor  was  Rev.  George  Gray.  His  pastorate  continued 
for  twenty  years. 

Rev.  J.  Y.  McGines  then  supplied  the  church  for  eighteen  months, 
and  after  him  came  Rev.  J.  B.  Adams  as  a  supply,  from  October,  185 1, 
until  April,  1833. 

The  third  regular  pastor  was  the  Rev.  William  S.  Morrison,  who  was 
installed  August  26,  1853;  resigned  June,  1S57,  on  account  of  bad 
health. 

The  fourth  pastor.  Rev.  G.  Van  Artsdiln,  supplied  the  church  for  one 
year,  and  was  installed  pastor  in  i860.     No  date  of  his  resignation. 

Rev.  M.  Lewis  McCune  was  a  supply  from  1865  till  April,  1867. 

The  fifth  regular  pastor  was  Rev.  J.  E.  Kerns,  installed  March  2, 
1868,  resigned  November,  1879.  After  this  the  church  was  supplied  by 
Rev.  Arthur  for  a  short  time. 

The  sixth  pastorate,  that  of  Rev.  L.  L.  Houghanout,  extended  from 
September,  1884,  to  December,  1889. 

The  seventh  and  present  pastorate,  that  of  Rev.  John  F.  Diener, 
began  October  i,  1890.  He  was  installed  pastor  over  this  church  in 
No\ember  of  the  same  year,  also  over  the  churches  of  Shade  Gap  and 
Peru. 

The  present  membership  of  the  Upper  Tuscarora  Church  is  one 
hundred  and  twenty ;  of  the  Shade  Gap  Church,  one  hundred  and  forty- 
five;  of  the  Peru  Church,  fifty. 

During  the  present  pastorate  one  hundred  and  two  persons  have 
thus  far  been  received  into  full  membership  in  these  churches. 

Names  of  elders,  in  the  order  of  service,  in  the  Upper  Tuscarora 
Church :  Thomas  Morrow,  Nicholas  Goshorn,  James  Neely,  James  Wal- 
lace, Richard  Morrow,  Adam  Seibert,  John  Woodside,  James  Louthers, 
John  McConnell,  Robert  Wallace,  Samuel  Campbell,  Rowland  A.  Brown, 
Alexander  Carron  Blair,  John  Montgomery,  John  Blair  Morrow,  John 
Moody  Morrison,  M.D.,  E.  Montgomery,  James  Coulter,  James  G.  Mc- 
Clure,  David  L.  McDonald,  M.D.,  Henry  L.  Book,  John  McConnell 
Blair,  James  Lauthers. 

Under  the  present  pastorate  the  Upper  Tuscarora  Church  has  under- 
gone e.xtensive  repairs,  costing  over  six  hundred  dollars,  and  the  parson- 
age has  also  been  very  greatly  improved. 

John  F.  Diener. 


282  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

WATERSIDE. 

A  COMMITTEE  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  consisting  of  Rev. 
Messrs.  D.  H.  Barron,  of  HoUidaysburg,  Henderson,  of  Bedford,  and 
Rev.  McNinch,  of  Schellsburg,  having  been  appointed  to  organize  a 
church  at  Waterside,  met,  with  the  exception  of  Rev.  Henderson,  at  the 
church,  November  g,  1880,  and,  after  a  sermon  by  the  chairman, 
received  certificates  of  admission  from  eighteen  members  of  the  Yellow 
Creek  Church,  which  being  found  in  order,  they  were  received  as  mem- 
bers of  the  church  to  be  organized.  Mr.  James  B.  Butts  and  Mr.  J.  H. 
Hartman  were  elected  ruling  elders,  and  Messrs.  James  E.  Noble, 
Thomas  Border,  and  D.  B.  Kochenderfer  were  elected  deacons.  Mr. 
Hartman  was  ordained  a  ruling  elder,  and  Messrs.  Border  and  Koch- 
enderfer were  ordained  as  deacons,  by  prayer  and  the  laying-on  of 
hands,  and  all  the  above  officers-elect  were  then  installed.  Services 
were  held  in  the  evening,  and  a  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  McNinch. 

John  C.  Wilhelm,  stated  supply,  of  Saxton  and  Yellow  Creek 
Churches,  included  with  Waterside  in  one  charge. 

Stated  supplies  since  its  organization  have  been  Rev.  Harvey  Shaw, 
Rev.  Harvey  Sanson,  Rev.  William  Prideaux,  Rev.  J.  R.  Sanson,  and 
Rev.  William  Prideaux. 

J.  H.  Hartman. 


WEST   KISHACOQUILLAS. 

It  is  impossible  to  give  the  date  of  organization  of  West  Kishaco- 
quillas  Church,  if  it  had  a  formal  one.  Land  in  the  Kishacoquillas 
Valley  was  surveyed  in  1755,  but,  owing  to  the  French  War  and  the 
raids  of  the  Indians,  permanent  settlements  were  few  until  1775.  In  that 
year  Rev.  Philip  V.  Fithian  visited  the  valley  and  preached  twice  in 
West  Kishacoquillas,  in  a  barn  of  Robert  Brotherton,  on  August  20,  for 
which  service  John  McDowell  gave  him  twenty  shillings. 

For  a  period  of  eight  years  there  is  no  other  mention  of  preaching  in 
the  valley,  but  a  call — bearing  date  March  15,  1783,  and  still  preserved, 
with  the  names  of  sixty-nine  members  of  the  two  congregations  of  East 
and  West  Kishacoquillas — for  the  pastoral  services  of  the  Rev.  James 
Johnston  makes  it  clear  that  at  that  time  two  strong  congregations  were 
already  organized  and  were  provided  with  places  of  worship.  The  Rev. 
Johnston  accepted  this  call,  his  services  being  equally  divided  between 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  283 

the  two  congregations.  He  was  installed  as  pastor  August  19,  1784,  in 
which  relation  he  served  until  June  22,  1796,  at  which  time  at  the  meet- 
ing of  Presbytery  he  requested  leave  to  resign  his  charge.  That  body, 
however,  withheld  its  decision  until  the  fall  meeting  of  Presbytery, 
October  5,  1796.  Meanwhile  the  membership  of  both  congregations 
opposed  his  resignation  by  presenting  to  Presbytery  a  petition  signed  by 
a  majority  of  the  members  asking  that  body  to  acquiesce  in  their  desires. 
But,  on  account  of  his  much-impaired  health,  Presbytery  deemed  it  wise 
and  proper  to  grant  his  request. 

From  this  date  the  two  congregations  seem  to  have  been  furnished 
with  supplies  for  fourteen  years, — i.e.,  until  1810,  in  which  year  we  find 
a  call  presented  for  the  pastoral  services  of  the  Rev.  William  Kennedy. 
He  accepted  a  call  from  Lewistown  and  the  West  Kishacoquillas 
Churches,  Lewistown  calling  him  for  two-thirds  and  West  Kishaco- 
quillas for  one-third  of  his  time.  He  was  ordained  and  installed  at 
Lewistown  October  3,  18 10,  over  both  churches,  at  a  salary  of  four  hun- 
dred and  eighty  dollars,  to  be  paid  in  proportion  to  the  services  rendered 
each,  the  Rev.  John  B.  Patterson  preaching  the  sermon  and  Rev. 
William  Stuart  presiding  and  delivering  the  charge.  He  remained 
pastor  of  these  congregations  until  the  1st  of  October,  1822,  when  he 
was,  at  his  own  request,  released  to  the  Presbytery  of  Erie. 

From  1822  to  1827  the  West  Kishacoquillas  congregation  depended 
upon  supplies,  but  we  find  from  Sessional  records  that,  at  a  meeting  of 
the  Session,  consisting  of  John  Wilson,  Esq.,  John  Gettys,  William 
Hazlett,  James  Wilson,  and  Jesse  Adams,  Rev.  John  Hutchison, 
moderating,  on  April  10,  1827,  West  Kishacoquillas  congregation  com- 
missioned Mr.  James  Wilson,  a  ruling  elder,  to  prosecute  a  call  sent  by 
it  for  the  ministerial  services  of  Rev.  James  Williamson ;  but,  for  some 
reason  not  given,  the  call  was  not  accepted.  Howevel-,  at  the  fall  meet- 
ing of  Presbytery  held  at  Sinking  Valley  Church  on  Wednesday,  October 
10,  1827,  Mr.  James  Wilson  was  sent  to  present  Presbytery  with  a  call 
for  the  Rev.  James  H.  Stuart.  This  call  was  accepted,  and  Mr.  Stuart 
became  the  pastor,  October  26,  of  both  the  East  and  West  Kishaco- 
quillas Churches.  In  these  congregations  he  labored  until  disqualified 
by  the  ravages  of  disease,  from  which  he  died,  February  27,  1829;  he 
was  interred  in  the  cemetery  of  East  Kishacoquillas. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Stuart  the  church  depended  upon  supplies 
until  October,  1830,  at  which  time,  at  the  fall  meeting  of  Presbytery,  a 
united  call  was  presented  for  the  ministerial  services  of  Rev.  William 


284  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Annan  ;  this  call  being  accepted,  he  was  installed  as  pastor  in  connection 
with  Little  Valley  Church  November  24,  1830.  The  church  flourished 
under  his  ministry  until  the  fall  meeting  of  Presbytery,  1835,  when  so 
many  of  the  pastors  were  released  from  their  charges  in  this  Presbytery. 
Among  those  was  the  acceptance  of  Rev.  William  Annan's  resignation  in 
addition  to  three  other  ministers;  thus  six  churches  and  one  missionary 
district  were  left  vacant. 

One  matter  particularly  discouraging  at  this  time  to  pastor  and  Ses- 
sion was  the  frequent  reprimanding  by  the  Session  of  some  members  of 
the  church  for  attending  public  dances  and  other  worldly  amusements, 
contrary  to  the  rules  and  discipline  of  the  church.  So  aggravated  had 
this  practice  grown  that  the  Session  were  obliged  to  apply  to  Presbytery 
for  its  approval  or  disapproval  of  its  actions  in  the  matter.  While  Pres- 
bytery fully  endorsed  the  course  of  the  Session  in  its  efforts  to  suppress 
this  evil  in  its  midst,  yet  not  a  few  suffered  suspension  rather  than 
submit  to  the  rule  and  discipline  of  the  church,  and  in  one  or  two 
instances  members  presented  themselves  to  Presbytery  in  the  hope  that 
that  body  would  justify  them  in  their  course  of  conduct,  and  allow  them 
to  remain  as  communicant  members  and  permit  them  to  indulge  in  the 
practice  for  which  the  Session  had  cited  them  to  appear.  The  non- 
attendance  of  members  was  also  viewed  by  the  Session  as  a  sufficient 
reason  for  dismissal  unless  good  and  sufficient  cause  were  given  for  the 
same;  a  few  suffered  suspension  rather  than  submit  to  the  demands  of 
the  church,  although  the  members  violating  were  in  every  instance  dealt 
with  in  the  most  affectionate  and  Christian-like  manner. 

We  find  that  at  a  meeting  of  Session  on  May  23,  1836,  Rev.  James  S. 
Woods  moderated.  This  is  the  only  record  from  the  year  1835,  at 
which  time  the  charge  was  declared  vacant,  until  we  find  a  call  presented 
at  the  stated  spring  meeting  of  Presbytery,  April  4,  1837,  from  the 
churches  of  West  Kishacoquillas  and  Little  Valley,  for  the  pastoral 
services  of  Rev.  Moses  Floyd,  who  was  then  a  licentiate  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia.  This  call  was  accepted  by  him,  and  he  was 
ordained  and  installed  at  an  adjourned  meeting  of  Presbytery  held  at 
Little  Valley  Church  June  14,  1837.  Rev.  Mr.  Floyd  served  as  pastor 
of  West  Kishacoquillas  until  February  24,  1844,  when  he  resigned. 

After  Mr.  Floyd's  resignation  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  the  follow- 
ing ministers:  several  appointments  during  1844  by  Rev.  Samuel  N. 
Howell;  November  4,  1844,  by  Rev.  J.  Peebles;  January  5  and  June  i, 
1845,  Rev.  Joshua  Moore;  November  13,  1845,  R^v.  D.  L.  Hughes.     At 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  285 

a  congregational  meeting  held  January  i,  1846,  a  unanimous  call  was 
presented  to  Rev.  Samuel  H.  McDonald  for  the  whole  of  his  services, 
two-thirds  of  his  time  to  be  devoted  to  the  lower  or  brick  church  con- 
gregation and  one-third  to  the  upper  or  AUensville  congregation.  This 
call  was  accepted,  and  he  entered  upon  his  duties  as  pastor  January  30, 
1846.  According  to  Sessional  record,  Rev.  McDonald  served  as  pastor 
of  the  two  congregations,  but  on  December  29,  1855,  resigned. 

Again  on  June  8,  1856,  we  find  the  Rev.  Moses  Floyd  acting  as 
moderator  of  Session,  and  at  various  dates  filling  appointments  at  both 
places  of  worship,  up  to  and  including  April  12,  1857.  At  a  meeting  of 
the  Session  August  29,  1857,  we  find  the  Rev.  Ross  Stephenson  presid- 
ing. No  further  information  can  be  obtained  until  June  19,  1858,  at 
which  time  we  find  a  call  presented  for  the  pastoral  services  of  Rev. 
James  Williamson.  The  call  was  accepted  October  2,  1858,  and  he  was 
installed  December  14,  1858,  and  was  released  at  the  fall  meeting  of 
Presbytery,  October  2,  i860. 

On  December  29,  i860,  at  an  adjourned  meeting  of  Presbytery,  a 
call  was  presented  for  the  pastoral  services  of  Rev.  Robert  B.  Moore, 
formerly  of  Red  Stone  Presbj'tery.  The  call  was  accepted,  and  he  was 
ordained  and  installed  December  27,  i860.  After  serving  these  two 
churches  as  pastor  he  resigned,  and  the  relation  was  dissolved  May  26, 
1867. 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  of  Presbj'tery  we  find  a  call  presented  for  the 
ministerial  services  of  Rev.  R.  M.  Campbell.  This  call  being  accepted, 
he  assumed  the  duties  of  pastor,  was  installed  and  ordained  June  11, 
1867,  and,  after  a  long  and  faithful  pastorate,  resigned  June  1 1,  1886. 

From  this  date  the  pulpit  at  both  places  of  worship  was  filled  by 
several  ministers  called  as  candidates,  embracing  the  period  from  April 
16,  1887,  to  June  23,  1888,  at  which  time  the  name  of  the  Rev.  Sylvester 
S.  Bergen  appears  upon  the  Sessional  record.  However,  the  call  for  his 
services  as  pastor  dates  from  May  15,  1S88.  Rev.  Mr.  Bergen  is  at  this 
date,  November  29,  1895,  pastor,  having  in  his  ministry  in  this  field  of 
labor  been  faithful  to  all,  as  well  as  instrumental  in  building  up  the  mem- 
bership, both  in  the  AUensville  and  the  Belleville  congregations. 

The  following  list  comprises  the  names  of  all  who  have  served  as 
elders  from  the  year  1820:  John  Wilson,  Sr.,  John  Gettys,  William 
Hazlett,  James  Wilson,  Jesse  Adams,  Samuel  Taylor,  Samuel  Barr,  Isaac 
Armstrong,  John  Fleming,  William  P.  Maclay,  John  R.  McCarthey, 
John  Wilson,  Jr.,  Joseph  Campbell,  Jr.  (who,  in  the  twenty-eighth  year  of 


286  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

his  age,  was  elected  and  installed  as  an  elder  of  the  West  Kishacoquillas 
Church  November  27,  1845,  a"d  served  until  his  death,  October  6,  1894, 
almost  forty-nine  years),  James  B.  Cook,  J.  Oliver.  Campbell,  James  M. 
Lashell,  Robert  P.  Maclay,  John  Hucy,  Robert  K.  Allison,  John  W. 
Wilson,  William  Huey,  William  H.  Glass,  John  M.  Fleming,  William 
M.  Gibboney,  A.  Clay  Henderson,  Robert  T.  Fleming,  Joseph  N.  Ham- 
ilton, and  John  Knepp.  The  following  arc  now  acting  as  ruling  elders : 
John  W.  Wilson,  John  M.  Fleming,  A.  Clay  Henderson,  Robert  T.  Flem- 
ing, and  William  M.  Gibboney,  of  the  Belleville  Church  ;  and  William 
Huey,  William  H.  Glass,  Joseph  N.  Hamilton,  and  John  Knepp,  of 
AUensville  Church. 

The  following  persons  who  were  members  of  this  church  have 
entered  the  ministry:  Samuel  Wilson,  D.D.,  son  of  John  Wilson,  Sr., 
and  one  of  the  first  elders ;  John  W.  Hazlett  and  Silas  Hazlett,  grandsons 
of  William  Hazlett,  one  of  the  first  elders;  Robert  Fleming  Wilson  and 
Miles  Cooper  Wilson,  sons  of  George  Wilson  and  grandsons  of  the  same 
elder;  Joseph  Henderson  Fleming,  son  of  James  Fleming,  and  James 
Martin  Wilson,  son  of  Henrj^  S.  Wilson,  and  great-grandson  of  Elder 
Wilson,  a  brother  of  Robert  Fleming  Wilson,  who  had  the  ministry  in 
view,  but  died  when  acquiring  his  education  ;  Robert  L.  Campbell,  son 
of  Joseph  Campbell,  Jr.,  an  elder. 

After  worshipping  for  a  time  at  the  house  of  the  Brothertons,  who 
resided  just  opposite  the  present  cemetery,  nearly  midway  between 
Belleville  and  AUensville,  the  congregation  held  services  in  a  tent  until 
1800,  in  which  year  a  log  church  was  built  and  used  until  1826,  when, 
possibly  upon  the  same  site,  a  one-story  brick  church  was  erected.  This 
was  used  until  the  year  i860,  when  it  was  decided  to  erect  a  substantial 
two-story  brick  church  at  Belleville.  This  edifice  still  stands,  and  is  at 
the  present  time  used  regularly  for  worship.  About  the  same  time  the 
congregation  built  a  substantial  parsonage,  cdntaining  eight  rooms, 
where  the  present  pastor  (Rev.  S.  S.  Bergen)  now  resides. 

In  1833-34  a  frame  church  building  was  erected  in  AUensville. 
Services  were  held  here  with  more  or  less  regularity  until  a  new  one- 
story  brick  church  was  built  in  the  year  1862,  upon  its  j)resent  site. 

William  M.  Gibboney. 


MlhU.IN.        I'ASTDKS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  287 

WESTMINSTER— MIFFLINTOWN. 

As  early  as  1758,  immediately  after  the  surrender  of  Fort  Duquesne, 
many  persons  in  the  eastern  part  of  Pennsylvania  began  to  emigrate 
westward.  Thej-  were  generally  Presbyterians  from  the  North  of 
Ireland  originally,  and  many  of  those  who  came  out  from  Cumberland 
County  settled  in  what  is  now  known  as  Juniata  County,  in  the  Lost 
Creek  and  Tuscarora  Valley.  These  Presbyterians  would  not  be  long 
in  their  new  home  until  they  would  assemble  together  for  the  public 
worship  of  God. 

About  1760  the  congregation  originally  known  as  Cedar  Spring,  later 
as  MifHintown  and  Lost  Creek,  now  as  Westminster,  sent  James  Purdy 
and  James  Patterson  to  Philadelphia  to  procure  a  warrant  from  the 
Proprietary  Government  for  two  hundred  acres  of  land  for  a  Presbyterian 
"  meeting-house."  This  land  was  located  about  three  miles  from  what 
is  now  Mifflintown,  and  here  was  erected  their  first  house  of  worship. 
It  was  a  log  building,  and  was  reared  by  the  early  settlers  of  the  valley 
amidst  difficulties  and  dangers  of  which  the  present  generation  can  have 
little  conception. 

It  is  not  known  whether  they  were  ever  visited  by  an  ordained  min- 
ister previous  to  the  year  1766,  but  in  that  year  two  missionaries,  on 
their  way  to  visit  the  Indians  on  the  then  extreme  frontier  in  Ohio,  spent 
a  few  days  in  this  vicinity  and  preached  to  the  congregation  at  Cedar 
Spring.  These  missionaries  were  the  Rev.  Charles  Beatty  and  the  Rev. 
George  Duffield,  who  were  accompanied  by  Joseph  Peeby,  a  Christian 
Indian,  as  an  interpreter. 

The  first  stated  minister  engaged  by  this  congregation,  the  Rev.  J. 
Kennedy,  from  the  North  of  Ireland,  occupied  the  field  for  about  four 
years,  beginning  in  1771.  There  is  no  record  to  be  found  of  his  having 
been  installed,  and  it  is  probable  that  he  served  as  a  stated  supply. 

Mr.  Kennedy  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  Hugh  Magill,  a  native  of 
Ireland,  who  was  ordained  before  coming  to  this  country,  and  was 
regularly  called  and  installed  as  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Cedar  Spring 
and  Tuscarora,  now  Academia.  He  was  one  of  the  original  members  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  when  it  was  organized  in  1795,  and  was 
installed  as  pastor  of  these  churches  in  November,  1779.  In  1796  he 
was  released  from  the  charge  of  Tuscarora,  on  account  of  failing  health, 
having  been  pastor  of  that  church  for  seventeen  years ;  but  he  still  con- 
tinued pastor  of  Cedar  Spring,  where  he  had  his  home  for  three  years 


288  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

longer,  when,  in  1799,  on  account  of  age  and  increasing  infirmities, 
he  asked  leave  to  resign  the  charge,  which  was  granted  by  Presbytery, 
the  pastoral  relation  having  continued  for  just  twenty  years. 

The  next  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Matthew  Brown,  who  was  installed  in 
1802  and  remained  three  years.  Mr.  Brown  became  greatly  distinguished 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  among  the  educators  of  our  country. 

Some  time  before  this,  probably  about  the  year  1800,  the  name  had 
been  changed  from  Cedar  Spring  to  Mifflintown  and  Lost  Creek  and  the 
old  church  at  Cedar  Spring  abandoned.  For  mutual  convenience  two 
church  buildings  were  erected  eight  and  a  half  miles  apart.  That  part 
of  the  congregation  in  and  near  Mifflintown  erected  a  substantial  stone 
church  in  the  town. 

During  the  summer  and  fall  of  1805  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Mr. 
John  Hutchison,  a  young  man  who  had  been  licensed  to  preach  but  was 
not  yet  ordained.  A  call  to  become  pastor  was  presented  to  him,  which 
was  accepted,  and  Presbytery  met  in  the  church  at  Lost  Creek,  April  15, 
1806,  at  which  time  Mr.  Hutchison  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  of 
Mifflintown  and  Lost  Creek  Church.  The  salary  to  be  paid  was  men- 
tioned in  the  call  as  being  four  hundred  and  eighty-six  dollars  and  si.xty- 
six  cents.  This  was  the  first  and  only  charge  of  Mr.  Hutchison.  Hav- 
ing begun  his  ministry  in  the  thirty-third  year  of  his  age,  he  continued 
among  tliis  people  a  devoted  pastor,  beloved  and  honored,  for  the  long 
period  of  thirty-eight  years  and  si.x  months,  and  until  removed  by  death 
in  the  seventy-second  year  of  his  age. 

In  order  that  the  congregation  or  society  might  legally  hold  or 
convey  property,  a  charter  was  obtained  from  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
State,  March  l,  1807.  This  charter  was  simply  with  reference  to  the 
temporal  concern  of  the  church  in  connection  with  its  property,  and  had 
no  connection  with  the  ecclesiastical  organization  of  the  church. 

The  first  roll  of  the  church  of  which  any  account  can  now  be  found 
was  made  out  in  18 16,  and  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Mr.  Hutchison.  As 
no  distinction  was  made  between  the  members  of  the  congregation  at 
Mifflintown  and  those  at  Lost  Creek,  but  all  names  were  mixed  together 
in  one  roll  as  belonging  to  one  church,  it  is  impossible  to  tell  the 
numerical  strength  of  each  part  of  the  church.  From  the  old  roll  it  is 
found  that  the  number  of  communicants  in  tiie  whole  church  in  18 16  was 
one  hundred  and  si,\ty. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Hutchison,  which  occurred  November  11, 
1844,  the  church  was  not  even  one  Sabbath  without  regular  services,  for 


WESTMINSTER  (MIFFLIN). 


WESTMINSTER  (.MUII.IN).       l-.I.OKKS. 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  289 

the  following  Sabbath  the  Re\-.  Matthew  Allison  preached  for  this  con- 
gregation, after  which  he  was  asked  to  supply  the  church  until  the  fol- 
lowing spring,  which  he  consented  to  do.  He  had  been  for  twenty-three 
years  pastor  in  Kilbarchan,  Scotland,  and  for  eighteen  months  in  charge 
of  a  church  in  Paterson,  New  Jersey. 

Mr.  Allison  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  this  church  March  26, 
1845,  and,  having  accepted  the  same,  he  was  installed  by  a  committee  of 
Presbytery  the  following  month,  and  continued  pastor  of  the  two  churches 
comprising  the  congregation  of  Mifflintown  and  Lost  Creek  for  twenty- 
seven  years,  until  his  death,  July  8,  1872.  However,  the  failing  health 
of  Mr.  Allison  led  the  congregation  to  procure  the  services  of  an  assistant 
pastor,  by  calling  Mr.  Thomas  J.  Sherrard,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Steubenville.  Mr.  Sherrard  began  his  labors  the  first  Sabbath  of  Jan- 
uary, 1872,  and,  at  the  meeting  of  Presbyterj'  held  at  Mifflintown  the 
following  June,  he  was  ordained  and  installed. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Allison,  Mr.  Sherrard  continued  to  serve  the 
two  churches  of  Mifflintown  and  Lost  Creek  as  pastor  until  the  spring 
of  1S75,  wheii  he  resigned,  in  order  that  he  might  not  stand  in  the  way 
of  a  di\-ision  of  the  congregation,  or  of  a  separation  of  the  two  churches, 
which  at  that  time  was  being  agitated. 

In  June,  1875,  a  committee  of  Presbytery,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  O. 
O.  McLean,  D.D.,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Stewart,  and  Elder  D.  W.  Woods, 
organized  the  Mifflintown  end  of  the  congregation  into  a  new  church, 
and  in  Jul)'  following,  at  a  congregational  meeting,  a  call  was  extended 
to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sherrard,  which  he  accepted.  He  was  installed  as  pastor 
in  October  of  the  same  year,  and  continued  in  this  relation  until  April, 
1880. 

The  Rev.  George  Benaugh  was  called  to  the  pastorate  and  installed  in 
the  fall  of  1880,  and  remained  a  little  more  than  four  years,  resigning  in 
November,  1884. 

He  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  L.  Y.  Hays,  who  came  under  an  agree- 
ment to  supply  the  church  for  one  year,  beginning  June  i,  1885,  and  at 
the  termination  of  this  agreement  he  was  unanimously  called  to  the  pas- 
torate, which  he  accepted.  He  was  installed  and  continued  in  the. office 
until  June,  1889.  During  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Hays  the  present  hand- 
some and  substantial  house  of  worship  occupied  by  this  congregation 
was  erected,  and  to  his  skilful  management  and  consecrated  energy  are 
largely  due  the  erection  and  dedication  to  the  worship  of  Almighty  God 
of  this  beautiful  and  commodious  edifice  free  from  debt. 

19 


290  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Mr.  Hays  was  succeeded,  in  the  summer  of  1890,  by  the  Rev.  J.  R. 
Henderson,  who  continued  as  pastor  until  the  1st  of  June,  1895. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  congregation  held  on  the  7th  day  of  September, 
1895,  a  call  was  extended  to  the  Rev.  Alfred  N.  Raven,  which  he 
accepted.  Mr.  Raven  entered  upon  his  duties  as  pastor  on  the  first  Sab- 
bath of  November,  1895.  He  ha.s  not  yet  been  installed.  This  congre- 
gation is  now  occupying  its  fifth  house  of  worship,  and  Mr.  Ra\en  is  its 
tenth  pastor. 

No  complete  list  of  those  who  served  as  ruling  elders  in  this  church 
can  be  found,  but  the  following  persons  within  the  past  seventy-five  years 
have  been  called  to  discharge  the  duties  of  that  office:  William  Cun- 
ningham, Joseph  McCrum,  John  McCrum,  John  Robison,  Jacob  A. 
Christy,  Edmond  S.  Doty,  Dr.  Thomas  A.  Elder,  John  Hutchison 
McAllister,  Silas  C.  Moyer,  Henry  M.  Groninger,  R.  Frank  Elliott, 
James  J.  Horning,  Thomas  McCurdy,  Joseph  Cumins,  Jacob  Adams, 
David  Cunningham,  James  Hardy,  William  Bell,  William  C.  Laird,  E. 
Southard  Parker,  George  W.  Wilson,  William  Banks,  John  Detrick, 
George  H.  Martin,  Jesse  R.  Elder. 

The  present  acting  members  of  Session  are  William  Bell,  George  W. 
Wilson,  Henry  M.  Groninger,  George  H.  Martin,  and  Jesse  R.  Elder. 

The  trustees  are  Hon.  Jeremiah  Lyon,  T.  Van  Irvin,  and  John  S. 
Graybill. 

In  its  organization  it  maintains  a  Sabbath-school,  a  Young  People's 
Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  and  three  missionary  .societies.  At 
present  it  has  a  membership  of  about  two  hundred  and  sixty. 

George  W.  Wilson. 


WnXIAMSBURG. 


The  Williamsburg  Church  was  organized  by  the  Rev.  James  Gal- 
braith  on  the  ist  day  of  May,  18 16.  Previous  to  that  time  the  commu- 
nity was  supplied  occasionally  with  preaching  by  the  Rev.  David  Bard, 
who  was  pastor  of  the  Frankstown  Church  as  early  as  the  year  1789. 
At  the  time  of  the  organization,  however,  most  of  the  Presbyterians  of 
the  community  were  in  communion  with  the  church  of  Hart's  Log,  from 
which  most  of  the  members  who  formed  the  organization  were  received. 
Not  all  the  names  of  the  thirty-five  original  members  have  been  pre- 
served, but  the  following  list  is  said  to  be  as  complete  as  can  be  found, — 


^  *s 


y- 


k^ 


^h^ 


R£VJc5^PiiO^LLy.( 


rjr^ii^s-i 


WILLIAMSBURG.       I'ASTOK    AND   hLDERS. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  29 1 

viz.,  David  Stewart  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife;  Alexander  Nesbit;  Hugh 
McKilip  and  Jane,  his  wife;  John  Fergus;  James  Stewart  and  Jane,  his 
wife;  William  Spear  and  Jane,  his  wife;  John  Carothers  and  Jane,  his 
wife ;  James  Dunn  and  Catharine,  his  wife  ;  Robert  Campbell  and  Rebecca, 
his  wife ;  Maxwell  Kinkead  and  Deborah,  his  wife ;  John  Stewart  and 
Elizabeth,  his  wife ;  John  Martin  and  Nancy,  his  wife ;  Thomas  Province 
and  Elizabeth,  his  wife;  Lazarus  McClain  and  Ann  Catharine,  his  wife; 
Mrs.  Catharine  Jackson,  Mrs.  Sarah  Royer,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Harris,  Mrs. 
Catharine  Whitzel,  Miss  Margaret  Fergus,  and  Miss  Emily  Cadwallader, 
— thirty-two. 

Of  these  David  Stewart,  Alexander  Nesbit,  Hugh  McKilip,  and  John 
Fergus  were  elected  and  ordained  as  elders.  Judge  David  Stewart  died 
April  26,  1826. 

MINISTERS. 

As  soon  as  the  church  was  organized  the  Rev.  James  Galbraith  was 
engaged  as  stated  supply,  and  continued  to  give  the  church  one-third 
of  his  time  until  1834,  when  his  pastoral  relation  to  the  Hollidaysburg 
Church  was  dissolved. 

The  next  minister  after  Mr.  Galbraith  left,  in  1834,  was  the  Rev.  John 
T.  Dunlap,  then  a  licentiate  and  stated  supply  of  the  church  at  Hollidays- 
burg, and  employed  also  as  stated  supply  of  this  church  for  about  two 
years,  one-third  of  his  time. 

When  Mr.  Dunlap  moved  to  the  West,  in  1837,  the  church  engaged 
the  Rev.  John  Peebles,  then  pastor  of  the  Huntingdon  Church,  to  supply 
the  congregation  for  one-third  of  his  time.  This  arrangement  was  con- 
tinued till  1842,  when  the  Rev.  William  J.  Gibson  was  called  to  become 
the  pastor  of  the  church.  This  call  was  accepted,  and  Mr.  (afterwards 
Dr.)  Gibson  was  installed  pastor  of  the  church  for  one- half  his  time,  in 
connection  with  Sinking  Valley  as  the  other  part  of  his  field.  Almost 
immediately  after  his  induction  a  notable  revival  occurred,  from  which 
the  membership  of  the  church  was  almost  doubled.  The  pastor  was 
assisted  on  this  occasion  by  the  famous  Thomas  P.  Hunt,  extensively 
known  as  the  "apostle  of  temperance,"  who  "reasoned  of  righteousness, 
temperance,  and  judgment  to  come"  with  such  power  that  the  followers 
of  Satan  were  stirred  to  great  wrath,  but  the  word  of  the  Lord  triumphed. 
Dr.  Gibson  remained  until  June,  1852,  when  the  pastoral  relation  was 
dissolved. 

In  the  month  of  October  of  the  same  year  Mr.  John  Elliott,  a  licen- 


292  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

tiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Lisbon,  Ohio,  was  called  to  become 
pastor.  Having  accepted,  he  was  ordained  and  installed  by  the  Presby- 
tery of  Huntingdon  on  the  17th  of  November.  In  this  service  the  Rev. 
George  Elliott  (brother  of  the  pastor-elect)  preached  the  sermon.  Dr. 
James  Linn  presided,  proposed  the  constitutional  questions,  and  made  the 
ordaining  prayer,  the  Rev.  George  W.  Thompson  gave  the  charge  to  the 
pastor,  and  the  Rev.  Joshua  Moore  the  charge  to  the  people.  Mr.  Elliott 
was  much  beloved  by  his  people,  and  great  was  their  regret  when,  at  the 
end  of  three  years  and  five  months,  on  account  of  impaired  health,  he 
was  moved  to  ask  the  Presbytery  to  dissolve  the  relation. 

The  next  pastor  was  the  Rev.  John  Moore,  who  was  installed  May 
22,  1857,  and  resigned  April,  1864.  During  his  ministry  seventy-eight 
persons  were  admitted  to  the  communion  of  the  church,  the  church  was 
extensively  repaired  and  handsomely  refitted  at  a  cost  of  one  thousand 
dollars,  what  was  known  as  the  "  old  study"  built,  and  the  church  in 
Canoe  Valley  erected. 

The  successor  of  Mr.  Moore  was  the  Rev.  N.  G.  White,  called  June 
27,  1864,  installed  November  9  of  the  same  year,  and  continuing  the 
pastor  of  the  church  for  eighteen  years,  when,  "  on  account  of  advancing 
age,"  he  resigned  March  31,  1883.  His  death  occurred  September  29, 
1895.  The  ministry  of  Mr.  White  was  blessed  with  many  tokens  of  the 
divine  approval.  Accessions  to  the  church  occurred  annually,  but  the 
year  1876  was  especially  marked  as  a  season  of  large  ingathering.  One 
hundred  and  nineteen  persons  were  added  that  year  to  the  communion 
of  the  church,  of  whom  one  hundred  and  eleven  were  received  on  pro- 
fession of  their  faith. 

The  Rev.  David  Conway  was  called  June  11,  1883,  installed  Sep- 
tember II,  1883,  and  he  resigned  December  13,  1889.  It  was  during 
his  ministry,  about  the  year  18S8,  that  certain  improvements  upon  the 
church  building,  referred  to  hereafter,  were  made.  During  his  ministry, 
also,  a  goodly  number  were  added  to  the  communion  of  the  church. 
Of  these,  seventy  made  profession  of  their  faith  and  twenty-five  were 
received  by  letter. 

CHURCH    BUILDINGS    AND    MANSE. 

In  1816,  the  year  the  church  was  organized,  the  Presbyterians  and 
the  Methodists  jointly  built  a  house  of  worship  on  the  lot  now  occupied 
liy  the  residence  of  Mr.  J.  Grove  Metz,  which  was  afterwards  sold  to  the 
Baptists. 


o 

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OF  THE  PRESBYTERY   OF  HUNTINGDON.  293 

About  the  period  1 824-1 826  the  Presbyterians  built  a  house  of  their 
own,  near  the  centre  of  what  is  now  the  Presbyterian  Cemetery.  This 
was  succeeded  in  1841  by  the  present  structure,  which,  although  repaired 
and  to  some  extent  remodelled,  is  yet  in  the  main  part  the  same  building. 

In  i860  a  church  was  built  in  Canoe  Valley  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  families  in  that  vicinity,  which  is  still  used  for  one  appointment 
every  two  weeks. 

Between  1887  and  1889  extensive  repairs  were  put  upon  the  Wil- 
liamsburg Church.  The  entrance,  which  had  been  in  front,  was  removed 
to  the  southeast  corner  and  a  tower  erected  over  it.  The  pulpit  was 
removed  from  the  south  to  the  north  end  of  the  church,  and  the  seats 
reversed.  The  interior  of  the  main  audience-room  was  frescoed,  and  a 
chapel  built  in  the  rear.  These  improvements  cost  four  thousand  four 
hundred  and  thirty-nine  dollars  and  eight\'-seven  cents. 

In  1849  a  building  with  a  lot  of  ground  convenient  to  the  church  was 
bought  for  a  manse,  at  a  cost  of  eight  hundred  dollars.  This  continued  to 
be  the  minister's  home  until  the  present  pastor  was  called,  when  in  1892 
the  old  building  with  ninety  feet  of  the  lot  was  sold  for  the  sum  of  six- 
teen hundred  and  thirty-six  dollars,  and  on  the  remaining  sixty  feet  the 
present  manse  was  erected,  at  a  cost  of  three  thousand  four  hundred  and 
thirteen  dollars  and  one  cent.  It  was  first  occupied  by  the  pastor's 
family  December  5,  1892. 

SESSION. 

The  names  of  those  who  have  served  the  church  in  the  Session,  in 
addition  to  those  who  were  elected  at  the  organization,  are  as  follows, — 
viz. : 

Name.  Ordained.  Died. 

William  Spear 1827.  June  lo,  1844. 

John  Stewart,  Esq 1S27.  February  18,  1837. 

Joseph  Roller      1827.  September  30,  1841. 

Maxwell  Kinkead 1S32.  December,  1841. 

Daniel  Hewitt 1S32. 

Daniel  Lower 1838.  January  10,  1844. 

John  Clark,  Sr 1838.  October  28,  1863. 

Joshua  Roller 1838.  December  17,  1870. 

Joseph  Feay February  6,  1843.  November  22,  1876. 

William  S.  Spear February  6,  1843.  August  3,  1865. 

James  Kinkead November  27,  1859. 

Jacob  M.  Sellers November  27,  1859.  March  9,  1885. 

Thomas  Cunning October  30,  1869.  September  19,  1894. 

Samuel  Isett October  30,  1869.  May  18,  1895. 


294  ^^'^   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

The  present  Session  consists  of  the  following  members :  James  Roller, 
ordained  November  27,  1859;  John  Clark,  October  30,  1869;  Josiah  F. 
Ellsworth  and  William  A.  McCormick,  December  14,  1874. 

DEACONS. 

Since  1843  the  church  has  had  a  board  of  deacons,  of  whom  Johns- 
ton Moore,  David  S.  Rhule,  Robert  Alexander,  Thomas  Cunning,  and 
Samuel  Dean  were  ordained  February  6,  1843;  John  K.  Neff,  J.  F. 
Ellsworth,  and  Alexander  Rutledge,  November  27,  1859;  Joseph  H. 
Blackburn,  Joshua  H.  Roller,  and  Homer  H.  Hewitt,  December  14, 
1874;  James  Patterson,  George  W.  Roller,  and  George  M.  Patterson, 
1878  ;  William  R.  Cunningham,  May,  1887;  and  C.  R.  Fluke,  J.  Grove 
Metz,  and  John  A.  Biddle,  December  23,  1894. 

The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Joseph  C.  Kelly,  was  called  November 
I,  1890,  and  installed  January  13,  1891. 

There  are  one  hundred  and  eight}'-two  church  members,  and  one 
hundred  and  fifteen  members  of  the  Sabbath-school. 

A  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  a  Ladies'  Aid 
Society,  and  a  Women's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  add  very  much  to 
the  efficiency  of  the  church  both  at  home  and  abroad. 

Joseph  C.  Kelly. 


WINBURNE. 


Rev.  Chappell  began  the  work  at  Winbume  in  18S9.  He  conducted 
his  service  in  the  school-house,  and  preached  there  regularly,  once  every 
two  weeks,  until  the  church  was  built.  The  church  was  organized  with 
eleven  members,  Messrs.  Somerville  and  Dunlap  being  ordained  elders. 

The  Methodists  had,  and  still  have,  a  half  interest  in  the  church 
building,  but  they  have  ceased  to  conduct  services  there,  as  their  chief 
supporters  joined  the  Presb)'terian  Church. 

This  little  church  is  in  a  good,  healthy  condition,  and  has  one  of  the 
finest  Sunday-schools  in  the  Presbytery.  The  present  membership  is 
about  forty. 

Thomas  McClatchv. 


< 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  295 

WOODLAND. 

The  Presbyterian  organization  at  Woodland  was  commenced  some 
time  in  1868  or  1869  by  Rev.  Sergeant,  who  preached  in  the  school- 
house  for  a  few  years  about  once  in  two  weeks.  About  1873  he  left 
his  charge  at  Kylertown  and  Bradford,  after  which  Woodland  had  occa- 
sional supplies  for  a  time.  About  1878  Rev.  E.  P.  Fousman  preached 
at  Woodland  once  in  two  weeks  while  in  charge  of  the  Kylertown  and 
Bradford  Churches.  Then  Rev.  Kuhn  was  pastor  for  a  time  ;  after  Kuhn, 
Rev.  Chappell ;  and  since  he  resigned  his  pastorate,  Rev.  McKinley  sup- 
plied Woodland  occasionally  on  week  evenings  for  about  two  years. 

There  being  so  few  Presbyterians  here,  we  were  never  able  to  build. 
This  want  of  a  church  building,  and  the  fact  that  the  place  is  made  up 
largelj'  of  a  floating  population  and  of  persons  who  have  to  depend  on 
their  daily  labor  for  support,  have  prevented  the  growth  of  the  organiza- 
tion. At  the  present  time  there  are  but  few  Presbyterians  left,  about 
five,  and  we  have  given  up  tr)-ing  to  hold  the  organization  together 
longer. 

J.    S.    NORRIS. 


■b^ 


YELLOW   CREEK. 

L\  the  vicinity  of  Yellow  Creek,  in  Bedford  County,  some  of  the 
early  settlers  were  of  the  Presbyterian  faith.  The  nearest  church  of 
their  choice  was  located  at  the  county  town,  the  ancient  borough  of 
Bedford.  Their  devotion  to  the  church  of  their  fathers  was  shown  in 
that  they  united  with  this  organization,  twelve  or  fifteen  miles  distant,  and 
attended  upon  its  ordinances  with  commendable  fidelity. 

In  1833  they  applied  to  the  Presbytery  for  an  organization  in  their 
immediate  locality,  when  Rev.  Samuel  Wilson  was  directed  to  proceed 
with  the  formation  of  a  church,  if  it  were  deemed  expedient.  On  No- 
vember 8  the  organization  was  effected,  when  twenty-three  persons 
associated  themselves  together  as  "  The  congregation  of  Yellow  Creek," 
— viz.,  John  Piper,  Margaret  Piper,  David  Piper,  Elizabeth  Smith,  John 
Kay,  Elizabeth  Kay,  Ann  E.  Anderson,  Elizabeth  Shoup,  George  Long, 
Elizabeth  Long,  Lucinda  Piper,  Thomas  C.  Piper,  Eliza  Cook,  John 
Cook,  Rebecca  Fredrigle,  Mary  Buchanan,  Thomas  Rowland,  Abraham 
Shoup,  Christian  King,  Margaret  King,  Elizabeth  McClanahan,  Catherine 
Levingston,  and  Elizabeth  Taylor. 


296 


THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 


John  Piper  and  John  Kay  were  elected  ruhng  ciders,  and  on  the 
following  day,  which  was  the  Sabbath,  they  were  solemnly  ordained  and 
installed,  after  which  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  adminis- 
tered to  the  newly-constituted  church.  Mr.  John  Piper  served  to  the 
edification  and  satisfaction  of  the  congregation  for  a  period  of  more  than 
thirty  years,  until  January,  1865,  when  he  entered  into  his  rest.  John 
Kay  in  after-years  removed  to  the  West,  and  helped  to  build  up  the  waste 
places  in  the  newer  parts  of  our  country  until  his  pilgrimage  was  ended. 

The  loyalty  of  the  congregation  to  the  Presbytery  was  shortly  there- 
after manifested,  when  they  demanded  the  withdrawal  of  a  member,  who 
by  his  sympathy  and  support  encouraged  in  his  defiance  of  its  authority 
a  former  minister,  who  had  been  deposed  by  its  action.  The  offender 
was  permitted  to  withdraw  without  any  further  censure. 

On  September  15  and  16,  1842,  services  were  held  in  the  newly- 
erected  church  building,  when  a  number  were  received  into  the  fellow- 
ship of  the  church  on  profession  of  their  faith.  On  the  i6th  their  new 
church  edifice  was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  the  covenant  God,  and  at 
the  same  time  the  glad  congregation  celebrated  the  holy  communion. 
The  new  structure  was  located  on  an  elevation  near  the  banks  of  the 
Yellow  Creek,  from  which  the  church  takes  its  name,  and  is  beautiful  for 
situation.  The  ministers  who  conducted  the  dedicatory  services  were 
Revs.  David  McKinney  and  John  G.  Howell.  For  a  series  of  years  the 
church  enjoyed  only  occasional  services  by  appointment  of  Presbytery. 
The  names  of  Revs.  Baynard  Hall,  pastor  of  the  church  of  Bedford, 
David  McKinney,  William  J.  Gibson,  Brittan  Collins,  David  Sterrett,  and 
John  McKinney,  names  of  "  brethren  whose  praise  is  in  the  gospel 
throughout  the  churches,"  appear  on  the  records  as  preaching  the  word 
of  life  to  the  little  flock. 

In  August,  1846,  an  arrangement  was  made  with  Rev.  William  M. 
Hall,  then  pastor  of  the  church  of  Bedford,  by  which  he  preached  to  the 
congregation  for  one-fourth  of  Iiis  time.  This  contract  was  to  continue 
for  six  months  and  thereafter  at  the  pleasure  of  the  contracting  parties. 

From  1846  to  1866  no  record  whatever  exists  of  the  action  of  the 
Session  or  of  the  proceedings  of  the  congregation.  In  the  mean  time 
many  changes  had  taken  place.  The  great  emigration  to  the  newer 
parts  of  our  country  had  occurred,  and  many  from  this  secluded  valley 
had  left  their  early  homes  to  found  new  ones  towards  the;  setting  sun. 
George  Long  had  been  elected  a  ruling  elder  in  1839,  and  probably  at 
the  same  time  John  Cook  was  called  to  this  position  also.     The  latter 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  297 

joined  the  great  company  who  sought  to  occupy  the  fertile  lands  of  the 
distant  West.  This  depleting  process  enfeebled  the  little  church,  though 
doubtless  contributing  to  the  advance  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  remoter 
parts  of  the  country. 

During  the  twenty  years  referred  to  above  Rev.  John  Elliott,  Samuel 
Lawrence,  U.  S.  Banks,  and  W.  C.  Harding  ministered  to  this  people. 
The  last  mentioned,  after  a  year's  service,  removed  to  Minnesota  beyond 
the  "  big  woods,"  and  there  soon  thereafter  ended  amidst  the  trials  and 
privations  of  frontier  experience  his  work  for  the  Master  and  his  life. 
Rev.  D.  S.  Banks  served  the  churches  of  Saxton  and  Yellow  Creek  with 
great  acceptance.  The  work  prospered  in  his  hands,  and  the  scattered 
Presbyterians  in  all  this  region  were  edified  and  helped  by  his  faithful 
and  cheerful  ministry.  His  name  with  that  of  Rev.  Samuel  Lawrence  is 
still  fragrant  in  all  these  parts. 

In  the  year  1867,  Rev.  R.  J.  Graves  became  the  stated  supply.  He 
was  a  man  also  of  marked  ability,  and  the  churches  were  filled  by  eager 
hearers.  This  congregation  especially  seemed  to  be  in  a  flourishing 
condition,  and  quite  a  goodly  number  of  accessions  gladdened  the  hearts 
of  its  friends.  Additional  elders  were  chosen  in  the  persons  of  James  M. 
Kinkead  and  Joseph  B.  Noble.  The  former  served  to  the  great  satisfac- 
tion of  the  people  as  long  as  he  remained  within  its  bounds.  But  the 
latter.  Judge  Noble,  declined  to  accept  the  responsibilities  connected 
with  the  office.  His  son,  Joseph  E.  Noble,  subsequently  was  an  active 
member  of  the  board  of  deacons,  \v'hilst  another  son,  Rev.  William  B. 
Noble,  D.D.,  has  occupied  conspicuous  places  in  the  church,  and  is  now 
preaching  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ  on  the  Pacific  slope.  After 
three  years  Dr.  Graves  gave  notice  that  his  ministry  there  would  end  on 
the  17th  of  November,  1870.  For  a  time  thereafter  occasional  supplies 
were  furnished  by  the  Presbytery,  when  in  October  of  the  next  year  a 
call  was  presented  for  the  pastoral  services  of  Mr.  J.  W.  Boal,  a  licentiate 
of  the  Presbytery.  The  call  was  accepted  by  Mr.  Boal,  and  he  was 
ordained  at  the  October  meeting,  but  was  not  installed  until  May,  1872. 
The  services  of  installation  were  conducted  by  a  committee,  consisting  of 
Revs.  G.  W.  Zahnizer,  J.  C.  Barr,  and  Dr.  R.  M.  Wallace.  At  the  same 
time  two  elders  who  had  been  previously  elected — viz.,  J.  L.  Melloy  and 
James  Piper,  Esq. — were  ordained  and  installed  after  the  usual  manner. 
Mr.  Boal  enjoys  the  distinction  of  being  the  only  pastor  which  the 
church  ever  had.  He  alone  of  the  many  ministers  who  have  had  the 
care  of  this  church  was  actually  installed.     The  congregation  was  in  a 


298  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

prosperous  condition,  but  the  subsequent  changes  which  have  come  over 
it  have  greatly  depleted  it  until  a  very  few  names  remain  upon  its  roll. 
The  largest  number  that  at  any  one  time  united  with  the  church  on  pro- 
fession of  their  faith  were  received  on  November  21,1 874,  and  at  the  same 
time  another  member  was  added  to  the  Session  in  the  person  of  James 
Ross.  The  pastoral  relation,  after  continuing  about  three  years,  was 
dissolved,  and  Rev.  E.  P.  Foresman  became  stated  supply  in  1875.  In 
the  mean  time  a  chapel  had  been  erected  at  W'aterside  for  the  conven- 
ience of  members  living  in  that  vicinity.  Mr.  Foresman  continued  to 
supply  the  church  until  1878.  During  his  term  of  service  the  Session 
was  further  reinforced  by  the  election  of  W.  S.  Davis  and  J.  B.  Butts. 

Rev.  James  H.  Baird,  D.D.,  became  the  stated  supply  in  the  fall  of 
1878,  and  continued  in  that  relation  for  about  a  year,  when  Rev.  J. 
C.  Wilhelm  took  charge  of  the  churches  of  Saxton  and  Yellow  Creek, 
retaining  it  until  his  withdrawal  from  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbyter}'. 
In  the  mean  time  an  organization  had  been  effected  at  Waterside.  The 
name  of  the  Waterside  Church  appears  on  the  minutes  of  the  General 
Assembly  for  the  first  time  in  1 881,  so  that  the  organization  was  proba- 
bly effected  in  the  preceding  year. 

For  a  season  the  Rev.  Har\ey  Shaw,  at  one  time  a  missionary  in 
Mexico,  and  who  recently  departed  this  life,  ministered  to  the  people  of 
Yellow  Creek  with  great  fidelity.  He  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  W.  H. 
Schuyler,  Ph.D.,  in  1887,  who,  residing  in  Everett,  preached  to  the 
churches  of  Sa.xton,  Yellow  Creek,  and  Waterside  until  1891,  when  he 
surrendered  the  care  of  this  church.  Since  that  time  it  has  had  no  stated 
preaching,  and  is  dependent  upon  occasional  supplies.  James  Piper, 
Esq.,  is  now  the  only  member  of  the  Session,  and  a  little  company 
gathers  at  long  intervals  to  celebrate  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  cherishes 
the  old  traditions  to  keep  alive  the  enfeebled  organization. 


The  following  churches  were  dissolved :  Mount  Olive,  changed  to 
Morris  Dale  Mines,  and  dissolved  April  10,  1888;  St.  Clairsville,  organ- 
ized June  10,  1873,  dissolved  June  8,  18S0;  Prospect,  Mount  Pleasant, 
Unity,  Spruce  Creek  Second,  Du  Boise  Second. 

Synod  transferred  Du  Boise  Church  and  its  pastor,  J.  Vernon  Bell, 
October,  1888,  and  Pennfield  and  Winterburn  Churches  and  their  pastor, 
J.  J.  Rankin,  to  Clarion  Presbytery,  October,  1892. 

J.  H.  Mathers. 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUXTIXGDOX.  299 


HISTORICAL   SKETCHES    OF   AUXILIARY    SOCIETIES. 


HISTORY  OF   THE   SUNDAY-SCHOOLS   OF   THE 
PRESBYTERY. 

REV.  DAVID   H.  CAMPBELL. 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  the  year  1826, 
recognizing  the  fact  that  "  in  all  parts  of  the  church  Sunday-schools  were 
established,  and  that  there  was  but  one  sentiment  respecting  them, 
declared  them  as  among  the  most  useful  and  blessed  institutions  of  that 
day,"  and  the  Assembly  took  the  following  action, — viz. : 

"  Resoked,  That  the  General  Assembly  do  cordially  approve  of  the  design  and  operations 
of  the  American  Sunday-School  Union  ;  and  they  do  earnestly  recommend  to  all  ministers  and 
churches  under  their  care  to  employ  their  vigorous  and  continued  exertions  in  the  establish- 
ment and  support  of  Sabbath-schools." 

In  1830  the  Assembly  recommended 

"  That  the  system  of  Sabbath-school  instruction,  now  in  prevalent  and  cheering  operation, 
be  and  hereby  is  most  earnestly  recommended  to  the  attention  of  the  pastors  and  Sessions  of 
all  our  churches  ;  that  Presbyteries  be  and  are  hereby  enjoined  to  make  the  progress  of  the 
Sabbath-school  cause  within  their  bounds  the  subject  of  special  inquiry,  and  annually  to  trans- 
mit the  results  of  such  inquiry  to  the  General  Assembly." 

And  further, 

"  That  it  be  and  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  pastors  and  Sessions  of  our  churches  to 
make  themselves  acquainted  with  the  system  of  infant  school  instruction,  and,  if  practicable, 
to  establish  such  schools  in  their  congregations." 

The  beginning  of  the  Sabbath-school  work  within  the  bounds  of  this 
Presbyterj'  does  not  probably  go  much  beyond  this  date,  when  it  was 
recognized  by  the  General  Assembly  as  one  of  the  good  things  that  had 
come  to  stay.     The  earlier  settlers  in  this  part  of  the  State  were  mostly 


300  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Scotch-Irisli,  who  believed  in  home-training,  and,  therefore,  at  first  did 
not  look  with  favor  upon  Sabbath-schools.  But  as  the  country  began 
to  fill  up,  and  the  importance  of  instructing  all  the  young  in  the  word  of 
God  was  impressed  upon  their  minds,  they  were  led  to  receive  it  with 
favor.  Many  of  our  Sabbath- schools  came  into  existence  as  union 
schools.  This  was  true  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  Little  Valley.  In  the 
spring  of  1828  a  small  company  of  good  people  assembled  together  in 
the  house  of  Moses  Kelly  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  Sabbath- 
school.  The  organization  was  effected  by  the  election  of  John  Bell 
superintendent,  and  Abraham  Rothrock,  late  Dr.  Rothrock,  long  an  effi- 
cient elder  in  the  McVcytown  Church,  as  assistant  superintendent.  Mr. 
Bell  faithfully  served  the  school  for  ten  years,  or  until  his  death  in  1838. 
He  was  succeded  by  Henry  Long,  who  rendered  efficient  service  for  five 
years,  when  death  ended  his  labors.  It  was  in  the  last  year  of  his  supcr- 
intendency  that  the  Methodist  families  withdrew  and  organized  a  school 
of  their  own.  Then  it  became  a  Presbyterian  school.  Samuel  Sharp  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  Long,  and  upon  his  removal  from  the  community,  two  years 
later,  James  H.  Alexander  became  superintendent,  and  filled  the  office 
until  his  death  in  1893,  a  period  of  forty-seven  years.  Of  him  his  pastor 
writes,  saying,  "  he  was  a  model  superintendent,  deeply  pious,  intelligent, 
affable,  punctual,  and  thoroughly  devoted  to  his  work.  On  his  death- 
bed he  said,  '  the  only  reason  he  cared  to  live  was  for  the  sake  of  his 
Sabbath-school.'  "  The  present  superintendent  is  Joseph  Brown.  Mrs. 
Martha  Mitchell  has  charge  of  the  primary  class,  and  the  school  has 
thirteen  officers  and  teachers  and  seventy-five  scholars,  with  an  average 
attendance  of  fifty. 

The  Williamsburg  Sabbath-school,  according  to  the  recollection  of 
the  older  people,  dates  its  existence  from  the  year  1830.  In  that  year  a 
union  school  was  organized  in  the  old  Pre.sbyterian  church  which  stood 
in  the  cemetery.  A  Mr.  Crotzer,  who  built  the  twenty-eighth  section 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Canal,  was  the  first  superintendent.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Daniel  Lower.  The  school  was  held  at  different  times  in 
each  of  the  four  churches.  Other  superintendents  were  Abram  Eberle, 
a  Baptist,  and  G.  W.  Smith,  a  Lutheran.  A  distinctively  Presbyterian 
school  was  organized  in  February,  1842,  on  the  completion  of  the  base- 
ment of  the  present  church.  Joshua  Roller  was  chosen  superintendent 
and  Mrs.  Maria  Wilson  assistant.  Mr.  Roller  filled  the  office  until  his 
death  in  1870.  Other  superintendents  have  been  James  Roller,  with 
Mrs.  James  Roller  as  assistant,  Joseph  H.  Blackburn,  and  William  A. 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  301 

McCormick,  who  now  well  fills  the  office.  The  primary  department  has 
been  in  charge  of  Mrs.  Joshua  Roller,  Mrs.  J.  F.  Ellsworth.  Mrs.  Hen- 
rietta Clarke,  Mrs.  Ida  Roller,  and  Mrs.  Mary  J.  Kelly.  The  school 
numbers  one  hundred  and  thirt}%  and  has  an  average  attendance  of 
seventy,  and  is  in  an  encouraging  condition. 

The  earlier  records  of  the  Lick  Run  Sabbath-school  cannot  be  found. 
The  record  now  extant  is  that  of  a  lot  of  Sabbath-school  books  bought 
in  1837,  and  that  David  Smyth  was  superintendent  in  1842,  at  which 
time  a  constitution  was  made  and  signed  by  thirty-eight  of  the  most 
prominent  men  then  in  that  congregation.  Other  superintendents  have 
been  John  Howder,  James  Harbison,  John  McCalmont,  James  L.  Neil, 
Jacob  Zeller>',  Nathan  Beck,  William  Smyth,  William  Lamb,  John  W. 
Wilson,  Samuel  Aley,  Robert  F.  Holmes,  and  Frank  Thompson,  who  is 
the  present  one.  Other  active  workers  have  been  William  Irwin,  Allison 
Irwin,  Ira  C.  Johnson,  William  Orndorff,  and  William  Orr,  with  a  number 
of  faithful  women.  This  school  has  suffered  much  from  removals  and 
deaths,  and  still  has  a  membership  of  sixty-two. 

In  regard  to  the  HoUidaysburg  Sabbath-school,  no  record  of  dates 
can  be  obtained  beyond  the  year  1837.  But  there  was  evidently  a 
Sabbath-school  there  prior  to  that  date.  Since  that  time  the  Presb>'terian 
Sabbath-school  has  been  kept  up  without  interruption.  Among  the 
prominent  workers  have  been  William  McCormick,  Joseph  Smith,  James 
D.  Rea,John  Penn  Jones,  Mrs.  Charlotte  Irwin,  Mrs.  Lucretia  King,  and 
Miss  Annie  Irwin.  The  superintendent  is  Professor  J.  A.  Stewart,  and 
the  primary  teacher  Mrs.  Rebecca  Smith.  It  numbers  two  hundred  and 
twenty,  and  has  an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-five. 

Hon.  S.  S.  Blair  was  an  active  worker  until  his  death,  and  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  A.  S.  Landis  are  now  active  workers  in  this  school.  It  contributes 
liberally  to  the  mission  boards  of  the  church,  contributing  last  year  one 
hundred  and  thirtj'  dollars  to  this  purpose. 

The  Huntingdon  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school  was  the  outgrowth  of 
a  union  Sabbath-school  that  was  held  in  the  old  court-house,  and  was 
organized  about  1822  or  1823.  under  the  supervision  of  Mrs.  Letitia 
Smith,  widow  of  Richard  Smith,  a  son  of  the  proprietor  of  the  town, 
assisted  by  a  number  of  female  teachers.  When  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Sabbath-school  was  organized  in  1828,  this  school  assumed  the 
Presbyterian  name.  For  several  years  Mrs.  Jane  Borland,  John 
Bracken,  Dr.  William  Yeager,  Robert  Williams,  and  others  acted  as 
superintendents  without  a  formal  election.     The  pastor,  Rev.  Mr.  Pee- 


302  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

bles,  having  two  charges,  could  only  give  it  partial  supervision.  On 
April  l6,  1843,  a  constitution  was  adopted,  whicli  provided  that  "  This 
society  shall  be  called  the  Sabbath-school  Association  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  borough  of  Huntingdon."  Under  this  constitution  John 
G.  Miles  was  chosen  superintendent  and  David  Blair  assistant  superin- 
tendent on  June  25,  1843,  and  continued  in  office  fi\e  years.  Other 
superintendents  were  N.  W.  Benedict  and  J.  Smyth  Reed  for  two  j^ears, 
Jacob  Miller  for  thirteen  years,  Hon.  John  Scott  for  six  years,  William 
P.  Orbison  for  seventeen  years,  or  until  18S6.  Since  that  time  the  school 
has  been  in  charge  of  the  pastor.  Rev.  D.  K.  Freeman,  D.D.,  and  Elders 
J.  R.  Simpson  and  W.  B.  McCarth\%  Colonel  William  Dorris  served  as 
assistant  superintendent  from  1869  until  1886.  Since  1873  the  infant 
department  has  been  under  the  efficient  care  of  Mrs.  David  Blair,  Miss 
Whittaker,  and  others  until  1882,  when  Mrs.  D.  K.  Freeman,  who  is 
still  doing  good  work  in  that  department,  took  charge  of  it.  The  school 
has  an  enrolled  membership  of  twenty-seven  officers  and  teachers,  and 
one  hundred  and  eighty  scholars.  W.  B.  McCarthy  is  superintendent, 
with  Clyde  E.  Hooper  assistant.  It  contributes  liberally  to  the  mission 
boards  of  the  church.  Robert  E.  Speer,  a  secretary  of  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions,  was  a  member  of  this  school.  Misses  Mary  Speer 
and  Anna  Fisher  with  other  valuable  help  have  been  conducting  a 
mission  school  near  Huntingdon,  under  control  of  the  Session. 

The  West  Huntingdon  Sabbath-school,  a  mission  of  the  church,  was 
organized  May  24,  1874,  with  sixty-five  members,  and  James  A.  Brown 
was  chosen  superintendent.  The  sessions  were  held  in  a  private  build- 
ing for  ten  years,  or  until  the  present  chapel  was  completed  in  1884.  It 
at  present  has  an  enrolled  membership  of  twenty-six  officers  and  teachers 
and  two  hundred  and  seventy  scholars.  James  S.  Woods  is  superin- 
tendent, and  Hugh  Lindsay  assistant.  It  has  a  growing  infant  class, 
under  the  efficient  help  of  Mrs.  M.  E.  Thomas. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  Alexandria  was  organized  about  the  year 
1824  by  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Stewart,  who  continued  in  control  of  it  for  five 
years.  In  1829  John  Porter,  an  elder  of  the  church,  was  chosen  super- 
intendent, and  he  continued  to  fill  the  office  with  ability  for  fifty-two 
years,  or  until  his  death  in  March,  1881.  In  honor  of  him  the  John 
Porter  Memorial  Band  was  formed  soon  after  his  death,  which  has 
raised  considerable  money  for  the  mission  boards  of  the  church.  Mr. 
Porter  was  very  successful  among  the  young,  and  was  the  means  of 
leading  many  to  give  their  hearts  to  Christ.     Rev.  Thomas  Porter,  D.D., 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  303 

a  professor  in  Lafayette  College,  and  a  son  of  the  above,  Rev.  T.  Calvin 
Stewart,  pastor  of  the  South  Easton  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Rev. 
Allie  Barr  were  members  of  this  school,  and  Walter  Harnish,  a  member 
of  the  school,  is  preparing  for  the  gospel  ministry. 

Other  superintendents  have  been  James  H.  Dysart,  \V.  S.  Livingston, 
W.  S.  Stryker,  C.  P.  Hatfield,  and  John  Philips.  Elder  W.  S.  Stryker  is 
at  present  in  charge.  This  school  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  has 
eleven  classes  and  a  membership  of  over  one  hundred. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Birmingham  Presbyterian  Church  was 
organized  about  1835,  with  John  Owens,  Esq.,  superintendent.  It  has 
always  been  a  Presbyterian  school.  Until  1869  the  school  was  only  kept 
open  during  the  summer,  but  since  that  time  it  has  been  continued 
throughout  the  year.  Much  attention  was  given  in  the  earlier  years  to 
the  study  of  the  Shorter  Catechism  and  the  memorizing  of  Bible  verses. 
Mr.  S.  C.  Stewart  is  and  has  been  for  many  years  superintendent.  Miss 
Helen  Grier  has  charge  of  the  primary  department.  This  school  has 
the  honor  of  giving  all  its  contributions  to  the  mission  work  of  the 
church  at  large. 

The  Mountain  Female  Seminary,  located  at  Birmingham,  has  from 
the  first  maintained  Bible-classes  on  Sabbath  afternoon,  where  the  young 
people  have  been  instructed  by  the  principal,  Miss  Davis.  After  the 
revival  at  Eden  Valley,  about  two  miles  from  Birmingham,  in  1881, 
a  Sabbath-school  was  started  there  by  Elders  L.  G.  Grier  and  S.  C. 
Stewart,  known  as  a  union  school,  but  it  is  largely  maintained  by  Pres- 
byterian workers  and  means. 

About  1882  a  Sabbath-school  was  opened  at  Tyrone  Forges.  This 
while  union  in  name  has  been  principally  supported  by  Presbyterian 
teachers  and  money,  and  it  has  used  Presbyterian  Lesson  Helps.  The 
pastor,  Rev.  H.  H.  Henry,  writes,  saying,  "  On  the  whole,  our  schools  are 
in  a  more  prosperous  condition  than  ever  before." 

The  Warrior's  Mark  Sabbath-school,  in  connection  with  the  above 
church,  was  organized  in  the  old  Baptist  church  by  J.  Roberts  Lowrie 
in  1864.  It  was  distinctly  a  Presbyterian  school,  and  yet  the  Baptists 
met  with  them.  Mr.  Lowrie  kindly  furnished  the  books,  papers,  and 
helps.  In  1866  it  was  removed  to  the  new  church,  where  it  has  been 
well  sustained  ever  since.  Dr.  T.  C.  Petereson  has  been  superintendent 
for  some  years.  Mrs.  Lowrie  and  her  daughter  Sarah  have  been  most 
helpful  in  promoting  the  interests  of  this  school.     Miss  Lizzie  McCoy 


304  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

has  been  active  in  the  primar)'  department.     The  school  has  given    lib- 
erally to  missions. 

The  membership  of  the  schools  is  as  follows, — viz.,  Birmingham,  ten 
officers  and  teachers  and  one  hundred  and  fifteen  scholars ;  Warrior's 
Mark,  eight  officers  and  teachers  and  sixty-three  scholars;  Tyrone 
Forges,  seven  officers  and  teachers  and  eighty  scholars ;  and  Eden 
Valley,  five  officers  and  teachers  and  forty  scholars,  or  a  total  of  three 
hundred  and  twent}--eight. 

The  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school  of  Pine  Grove  Mills,  Pennsylvania, 
is  a  descendant  of  the  union  school  organized  there  in  1835,  with  William 
McWilliams  as  president,  and  David  Mitchell  and  Thomas  Patton  super- 
intendents, all  Presbyterian.  In  1839  the  same  officers  are  mentioned, 
with  the  following  teachers :  Margaret  and  Mary  Patton,  Elizabeth 
Jackson,  Mrs.  Nancy  Thomas,  and  John  B.  Mitchell.  The  Methodists, 
were  the  first  to  withdraw,  and  in  1858  they  were  followed  by  the 
Lutherans,  when  the  school  became  Presbyterian.  During  all  these 
years  a  Presbyterian  had  charge  of  the  school,  and  active  workers  in  it 
were  such  Presbyterian  families  as  the  Pattons,  Mitchells,  Barrons, 
Murrays,  McGonigles,  Samples,  and  Laurimores.  Since  1858  the 
superintendents  have  been  T.  F.  Patton,  Professor  J.  E.  Thomas,  Hugh 
McGonigal,  J.  B.  Mitchell,  D.  H.  Miller,  and  Dr.  G.  H.  Woods,  now  in 
office.  Mr.  T.  F.  Patton  served  as  superintendent  or  assistant  for  fifty 
years.  Those  who  have  been  or  are  now  active  workers  are  Miss  H.  A. 
Campbell,  Mrs.  A.  P.  Mitchell,  Mrs.  S.  Ralston,  Mrs.  Bryson,  Mrs.  D.  H. 
Miller,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Fr>',  Mrs.  K.  M.  Woods,  Mrs.  Maggie  Gates,  Mrs. 
Jennie  Tate,  and  Misses  Mary  Thomas  and  Sallie  Barr,  and  Messrs. 
William  Roush  and  John  and  Cooper  Miller.  The  school  has  an 
enrolled  membership  of  fifty,  and  has  annually  contributed  to  the  mission 
boards  of  the  church.  Rev.  D.  H.  Barron,  D.D.,  pastor  at  HoUidays- 
burg,  was  a  member  of  this  school. 

The  Sabbath-school  known  as  the  Westminster  of  IMifflintown  was 
an  outgrowth  of  a  union  Sabbath-school  and  colonized  in  1838.  It 
has  had  in  all  nine  superintendents,  in  the  following  succession :  John 
McKennan,  and  then  Edmund  S.  Doty,  Esq.,  Jacob  A.  Christy,  and  W. 
C.  Laird.  These  four  served  for  a  period  of  thirty-seven  years.  Then 
came  Dr.  Thomas  A.  Elder,  for  four  years,  Alfred  J.  Patterson,  Esq.,  for 
eight  years,  George  W.  Wilson,  for  two  years,  R.  Frank  Elliott,  for  one 
year,  and  William  H.  Rodgers,  from  1890  to  the  present  time.  Revs. 
William  M.  Burchfield,  Joseph  H.  Mathers,  D.D.,  and  Andrew  H.  Parker 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDOX.  305 

were  members  of  this  school.  Mrs.  Ada  Lyons  has  had  charge  of  the 
primary  department  for  years  past,  and  has  done  efficient  service  there. 
This  school  has  an  enrolled  membership  of  seventeen  officers  and  teachers 
and  one  hundred  and  si.x  scholars. 

The  Beulah  Sabbath-school  is  an  outgrowth  of  the  "  Wheatland 
Sabbath-school,"  which  was  organized  in  May,  1840.  This  was  the  name 
given  at  that  time  to  that  region  of  country.  Prominent  in  the  organiza- 
tion were  Elder  McCullough,  William  Mullen,  and  G.  W.  McCully,  and 
it  numbered  about  twenty-five.  The  sessions  were  held  in  an  old  log 
school-house  until  1859,  when  the  Beulah  Church  was  built  and  moved 
into.  In  that  year  the  name  was  changed  to  "  The  Beulah  Presbyte- 
rian Sabbath-school,"  and  the  school  was  reorganized  by  the  above- 
named  persons,  who  were  still  the  active  members  of  it.  Its  sessions 
were  not  continued  throughout  the  year  until  1872.  This  was  about 
the  time  Rev.  William  GemmiU  began  his  labors  there.  The  first  super- 
intendent was  William  Mullen,  and  other  superintendents  were  Elder 
McCullough,  J.  H.  Morgan,  G.  W.  McCully,  W.  B.  Whiteside,  and  Ben- 
jamin N.  McCully,  who  is  now  in  charge.  The  school  numbers  thirteen 
officers  and  teachers  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  scholars.  Miss 
Mary  Mullen  is  in  charge  of  the  primary  class. 

The  Madera  Sabbath-school,  which  is  an  outgrowth  of  the  Beulah 
Church  and  Sabbath-school,  was  organized  in  1872.  Isaac  Hegarty, 
S.  B.  Woodring,  and  W.  B.  Comely  have  been  superintendents  of  this 
school.  Isaac  Hegarty  is  the  present  one.  Mrs.  James  Cornely  has 
been  an  active  worker  in  it.  Miss  Ida  Wilson  is  in  charge  of  the  primary 
class.  The  school  has  an  enrolled  membership  of  thirteen  officers  and 
teachers  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  scholars,  and  has  done  a 
good  work. 

A  Sabbath-school  had  been  maintained  at  Janesville,  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Beulah  Church,  by  Thomas  Prideaux,  an  elder  of  that 
church,  for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  ably  assisted  by  his  wife  and 
family.     This  is  now  closed. 

The  Arch  Spring  Sabbath-school  was  organized  about  the  year  1840, 
with  Samuel  Houser  as  superintendent  and  James  Wilson  assistant.  It 
was  continued  during  the  summer  months,  with  a  membership  of  from 
forty  to  fifty,  until  about  1859,  when  for  some  reason  the  school  closed. 
Other  superintendents  during  this  time  were  Richard  Bathgate  and  John 
Tussey,  an  elder  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

Through  the  instrumentality  of  Mr.  John  Nefif,  of  Philadelphia,  who- 


306  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

was  visiting  in  the  neighborhood,  tlie  school  was  rev'ived  in  tlic  year 
1866.  The  sessions  were  lield  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  the 
superintendent  and  assistant  were  elders  in  the  sanje,  and  yet  it  did  not 
become  distinctively  a  Presbyterian  school  until  1873.  The  superin- 
tendents since  its  revival  have  been  Thomas  M.  Fleck,  Samuel  Isett, 
and  John  A.  Crawford,  who,  with  Alexander  Templeton  as  assistant, 
were  elected  in  1868,  and  still  fill  the  same  offices.  About  one  hundred 
and  fort)'  members  of  the  school  have  become  members  of  the  church, 
and  six  have  become  ruling  elders.  The  school  has  increased  from  forty 
to  one  hundred  and  forty,  and  is  in  a  prosperous  condition.  Since  1873 
it  has  been  open  throughout  the  year.  Other  active  workers  during  the 
past  ten  years  have  been  J.  D.  Mentzer,  C.  O.  Templeton,  W.  M.  Morrow, 
J.  M.  Tussey,  Joseph  H.  Morrow,  Mrs.  J.  J.  Coale,  Misses  M.  Ella  Mor- 
row, Alice  Morrow,  Emma  J.  Crawford,  Grace  Burkett,  Lavinia  Crawford, 
Ella  K.  Crawford,  and  Mary  Tussey,  Foster  Crawford,  D.  A.  Morrow, 
Robert  Morrow,  Jr.,  John  Rosenberr}',  and  others. 

The  Shirleysburg  Sabbath-school  was  organized  in  the  early  history 
of  the  church,  and  has  continued  its  existence  for  many  years.  Among 
its  superintendents  have  been  Judge  John  Brewster,  Jessie  Hollingsworth, 
Henry  Brewster,  William  H.  Brewster,  David  Douglas,  Samuel  Douglas, 
John  Jacobs,  John  Douglas,  and  Daniel  Brandt,  who  now  fills  the  office. 
Miss  Kate  Douglas  was  in  charge  of  the  primary  class  some  years  since. 
For  a  number  of  years  Mrs.  Bell  Kerr  has  been  successfully  caring  for 
this  class.  Among  those  who  have  been  active  workers  in  this  school 
were  Dr.  W.  P.  McNite,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Brewster,  Miss  Julia  Leas  (now  Mrs. 
George  P.  Speer,  of  Denver,  Colorado),  Mrs.  Martha  Douglas,  Mrs.  T 
H.  Adams,  Miss  Lucy  Stewart,  Dr.  F.  L.  Schum,  and  Charles  Brewster. 
Among  the  active  members  now  are  Misses  Annie  Brandt,  Pitta  Whipp, 
and  Sadie  Smiley,  Frank  Brewster,  and  W.  Scott  Miller.  This  school 
has  suffered  much  from  removals  and  deaths,  which  have  greatly  reduced 
the  roll  from  what  it  was  years  ago.  Its  present  membership  is  fifty- 
seven. 

In  regard  to  the  date  of  organization  and  name  of  the  first  superin- 
tendent of  the  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school  of  Lewistown  there  is  no 
record.  A  Sabbath-school  was  organized  and  held  in  the  court-house. 
D.  W.  Woods,  Esq.,  who  gives  this  information,  says  "  the  only  teacher 
I  remember  to  have  heard  of  at  this  time  was  Mrs.  Hannah  Doty." 
"  The  first  superintendent  I  have  ever  heard  of  was  Hon.  Ephraim 
B  mks,  who  was  appointed  after  my  father  became  pastor  in  1 824."    After 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  307 

him  John  H.  Hickok  was  appointed,  who  continued  as  such  for  about 
two  years,  when  he  resigned,  and  Mr.  Banks  was  again  selected,  and 
continued  as  such  until  he  was  elected  auditor-general  of  Pennsylvania 
in  1850. 

Then  William  Russell  was  chosen,  and  served  until  Januar}',  1855, 
nearly  forty-one  years  ago,  when  D.  W.  Woods,  Esq.,  was  selected,  and 
has  filled  the  office  up  to  the  present  time.  As  superintendent  he  has 
given  to  scholars  who  have  recited  the  Shorter  Catechism  over  three 
hundred  and  fifty  Bibles.  The  school  has  twenty-eight  officers  and 
teachers  and  two  hundred  and  thirty  scholars.  There  are  four  teachers 
in  the  primary  department.  Miss  Mary  Shaw  has  for  years  been  in 
charge  of  this  department,  and  with  her  assistants  has  rendered  efficient 
service.  The  school  has  an  average  attendance  of  two  hundred.  It 
contributed  last  year  thirty-eight  dollars  on  Children's  Day,  and  one 
hundred  and  ninety-five  dollars  to  the  mission  boards  of  the  church  and 
one  hundred  and  ten  dollars  towards  its  own  support. 

The  Spring  Mills  Sabbath-school  was  organized  as  a  union  school  in 
an  old  log  school-house  on  the  9th  of  September,  1828.  This  school 
has  never  been  a  distinctively  Presbyterian  school,  and  yet  since  the 
year  1842  its  sessions  have  been  held  in  the  Presbyterian  church.  Its 
first  superintendent  was  Charles  Pauling.  David  Duncan  was  chosen 
secretary  and  Peter  Wilson  treasurer.  Other  superintendents  have  been 
Samuel  Hanna,  Robert  McClellan.  Thomas  Hutchison,  a  Presbyterian, 
David  Allison,  a  Presbyterian,  and  Peter  Wilson,  a  Presbyterian  elder. 
Peter  Wilson  served  as  superintendent  from  1853  ^o  l86i,and  from  1869 
to  his  death  in  1886.  He  was  prominently  connected  with  the  school 
from  its  organization.  Among  those  who  have  labored  longest  as 
teachers  in  the  school  have  been  Miss  Mary  E.  Duncan,  Miss  Nancy 
Wilson,  Mrs.  Margaret  Woods.  The  Sabbath-schools  of  the  Methodist, 
Reformed,  and  Evangelical  churches  are  some  of  the  fruit  of  this  school. 
The  Presbyterians  and  Lutherans  are  still  in  union,  and  the  school  is 
well  attended  and  the  work  carried  on  in  harmony  and  good  will 

The  present  superintendent  is  William  Goodhart,  an  elder  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  Mrs.  William  Allison  has  charge  of  the 
primary  class.  This  school  simply  reports  to  the  Presbytery  the  number 
of  Presbyterian  officers,  teachers,  and  scholars.  The  number  last  reported 
is  forty,  nine  of  whom  are  officers  and  teachers. 

The  Sabbath-school  work  in  Clearfield,  Pennsylvania,  begun  with  a 
union  school,  organized  about  1830  by  Frederick  Gulick,  and  carried  on 


308  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

by  him  for  twenty  years.  "  Father"  Guhck's  work  in  this  line  keeps  his 
memory  fresh,  while  many  of  his  contemporaries  are  forjjotten.  The 
Presbyterian  school  in  Clearfield  was  organized  about  1850  by  William 
B.  Smith,  who  was  succeeded  as  superintendent  by  William  Robison. 
Dr.  A.  M.  Hills  took  charge  about  1855,  ^"'-'  successfully  and  faithfully 
filled  this  position  until  1870. 

The  superintendents  following  him  were  Rev.  H.  S.  Butler,  D.D., 
who  was  deeply  interested  in  the  Sabbath-school  work,  Hon.  Cyrus 
Gordon,  Professor  B.  C.  Youngman,  and  B.  F.  Reed,  all  efficient  officers, 
filling  up  the  time  until  1892.  At  this  time  the  school  was  established 
on  modern  lines  and  a  good  system  of  Christian  giving  taken  up  and 
followed. 

At  the  beginning  of  1892  Alexander  Patterson  was  elected  superin- 
tendent by  the  Session,  and  H.  B.  Hartswick  and  Dr.  J.  L.  R.  Heichold 
first  and  second  assistants,  under  the  arrangement  that  a  person  would 
be  asked  to  serve  only  one  year  in  the  first  position,  when  the  assistants 
would  be  advanced,  and  some  one  be  elected  to  the  office  of  second  as- 
sistant superintendent.  Following  this  plan  Alexander  Patterson,  H.  B. 
Hartswick,  Dr.  Heichold,  and  George  Weaver  have  each  served  one  year 
as  superintendent,  and  James  B.  Graham  and  J.  F.  Powell  are  in  line  for 
1896  and  1897. 

The  school  is  well  maintained.  A  new  chapel  built  in  1893  and  1894 
has  largely  added  to  the  number  in  attendance  and  to  the  comfort  and 
efficiency  of  the  school. 

Miss  Jennie  Bridges,  Miss  Alice  Betts,  Mrs.  Clarke,  and  Miss  Lizzie 
Hartswick  are  among  those  who  have  had  charge  of  the  primary  de- 
partment. During  the  past  year  it  contributed  seventy-five  dollars  to 
the  mission  boards  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  self-support. 
The  school  numbers  thirty  officers  and  teachers  and  two  hundred  and 
ninety-three  scholars,  and  has  an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty-four.  Three  missions  have  been  in  connection  with  this  church 
for  some  years, — viz..  Pine  Grove,  Porter,  and  Glen  Richey,  and  re- 
spectively have  eighty-six,  fifty-si.\,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty-five 
members. 

The  history  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  Newton  Hamilton  Church 
dates  back  to  about  1834  or  1835.  Captain  William  Ewing  came  with 
his  parents  from  Ireland  and  landed  there  in  the  fall  of  1836,  when  he 
was  nine  years  of  age.  He  says  he  attended  Sabbath-school  in  the  old 
Presbyterian  church  in  the  fall  of  that  year.     John  McNear  was  prob- 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  309 

ably  the  first  superintendent.  Active  workers  in  the  early  years  of  this 
school  were  Hugh  Wilson,  William  McNear,  John  Drake,  William  and 
Robert  Corbctt,  Sheriff  Postlethwaite,  Mrs.  Sarah  Postlethwaite,  and 
David  Copeland.  For  some  reason  there  seems  to  have  been  no  school 
from  about  1845  until  the  spring  of  1852,  when  it  was  revived  and  re- 
organized. Benjamin  Norton,  an  elder,  was  superintendent.  The  his- 
tory of  the  Sabbath-school  of  the  Newton  Hamilton  Church  dates  from 
its  organization  in  1838.  Before  that  it  was  in  connection  with  tha 
Waynesburg  (McVeytown)  Church.  The  superintendent  was  an  elder 
in  that  church  until  1838.  The  school  prospered  in  the  pastorate  of 
Rev.  Benjamin  Carrell.  Other  superintendents  have  been  Samuel  Laird, 
Dr.  Charles  Bower,  Dr.  J.  R.  Taylor,  Robert  L.  Gamble,  Samuel  Ewing, 
Hugh  Laird,  Abram  Aurand,  Noah  Otto,  John  D.  Miller,  and  James  H. 
Dysart.  The  present  one  is  Samuel  Ewing,  who  has  served  nearly 
twenty  years. 

Those  who  have  been  active  workers  were  Mrs.  Susan  Purcell,  Miss 
Sarah  J.  Norton  (wife  of  Rev.  McKee),  Miss  Lizzie  Caldwell,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jacob  Norton,  Joseph  Wharton,  S.  T.  Postlethwaite,  J.  N.  Postlethwaite, 
and  D.  A.  Postlethwaite.  The  teachers  are  Captain  William  Ewing,  James 
A.  Dysart,  Mrs.  Ann  Postlethwaite,  Mrs.  Bell  Harvey,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John 
Baker,  L.  V.  Postlethwaite,  Mrs.  James  Graham,  Mrs.  Mary  Black,  Mrs. 
Eichelberger,  Miss  Clara  Postlethwaite,  and  Joseph  B.  Gray,  and  C.  L 
Fuller  is  secretary.  The  Sabbath-school  room  was  recently  newly  fitted 
up,  and  this  has  added  to  the  comfort,  attendance,  and  efficiency  of  the 
school.  It  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  has  an  enrolled  membership 
of  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  and  an  average  attendance  of  sixty- 
seven.     Its  contributions  amount  to  about  fifty  dollars  annually. 

It  observes  Children's  Day  and  Christmas  Anniversar}^  and  is  help- 
ful to  the  church.  Miss  Mary  Baker  is  organist  and  John  Baker  is 
chorister. 

The  history  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  the  Shade  Gap  Church  dates 
back  at  least  to  the  year  1844,  when  W.  Y.  McGinnis  began  his  labors 
in  that  church.  Between  the  year  1844  and  that  of  1863  considerable 
attention  must  have  been  given  to  the  Sabbath-school  work.  For  in  the 
minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  for  1863  the  churches  of  Shade  Gap 
and  Upper  Tuscarora  reported  two  hundred  and  seventy  children  in 
Sabbath-school.  This  seems  to  have  been  their  first  report  in  this  matter. 
Joseph  Hudson  and  Alexander  Blair  were  active  promoters  of  the  Sab- 
bath-school work  in  this  church  during  its  earlier  years. 


3IO  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

The  work  has  ever  since  been  carried  on  in  this  congregation.  It 
has  two  schools.  One  is  at  Shade  Gap,  and  VV.  C.  Swan  is  superintend- 
ent. It  continues  all  the  year.  The  other  is  at  Pine  Grove,  and  J.  H. 
Harper  is  superintendent,  and  does  not  continue  all  the  year.  These 
schools  have  a  membership  of  eighteen  officers  and  teachers,  one  hun- 
dred scholars,  and  an  average  attendance  of  seventy-five.  They  con- 
tributed last  year  twenty-four  dollars  to  missions  and  twenty-two  for 
tilieir  own  use. 

The  Milroy  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school  was  organized  about  1S46 
with  a  membership  of  forty.  Dr.  Samuel  Maclay  was  chosen  superin- 
tendent, and  faithfully  filled  the  office  for  twenty  years.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded in  turn  by  John  Aitkins,  Ezra  Hoopes,  and  J.  C.  McNite.  Mr. 
McNite  served  from  1876  until  the  withdrawal  of  Rev.  J.  W.  White  and 
the  larger  part  of  his  congregation  in  the  year  1883.  At  that  time  the 
Sabbath-school  membership  in  the  congregation  was  about  two  hundred. 
The  school  has  since  that  time  continued  with  a  largely-reduced  roll, 
and  it  has  been  attended  with  encouragement.  Its  membership  is  sixty. 
The  superintendents  have  been  J.  C.  Wilson,  D.  S.  McNite,  and  Albert 
Thompson,  who  is  now  acting.  Miss  Dosia  Brooks  has  charge  of  the 
primary  class.  It  contributed  last  year  twenty-two  dollars  and  thirty- 
four  dollars  for  self-support. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Lower  Tuscarora  Church  was  organized 
about  1849  with  Samuel  Okeson  as  superintendent.  This  was  during 
the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Dr.  G.  W.  Thompson.  Mr.  Okeson  served  until 
his  death  in  1866.  Other  superintendents  have  been  Robert  Patterson, 
Rev.  S.  J.  Milliken,  Joseph  S.  Brown,  D.  D.  Stone,  J.  Nevin  Pomeroy, 
who  served  thirteen  years,  and  J.  H.  Deen,  who  was  chosen  in  1S89  and 
is  still  in  office. 

This  school  is  under  direct  control  of  the  Session.  It  continues  its 
sessions  throughout  the  year.  The  Sabbath-school  work  in  the  bounds 
of  this  church  was  in  a  flourishing  condition  in  1855.  In  the  minutes 
of  the  General  Assembly  for  1856  this  church  reported  six  hundred 
children  in  the  Sabbath-school.  This  was  in  the  pastorate  of  Rev. 
Dr.  G.  W.  Thompson,  who  had  several  flourishing  schools  in  his  con- 
gregation. He  was  an  active  Sabbath-school  worker.  At  present  it 
numbers  sixteen  officers  and  teachers  and  one  hundred  and  sixty-two 
scholars. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Altoona 
was  organized  April  8,  1855,  with  ten  officers  and  teachers  and  seventy 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUXTIXGDON.  3II 

scholars.  William  C.  McCormick  was  chosen  superintendent,  and  served 
eight  years,  and  was  succeeded  bj-  William  M.  Lloyd,  who  continued  in 
office  until  1869,  when  B.  F.  Custer  was  elected.  In  1877  Thomas  H. 
Wiggins  followed  Mr.  Custer,  and  served  until  1S84,  when  G.  L.  Myers 
was  elected,  who  continued  in  office  until  1886.  He  was  followed  by 
John  A.  Canan,  who  served  two  years ;  then  by  Thomas  H.  Wiggins, 
who  served  four  years ;  and  then  by  W.  J.  Pollock,  who  served  two 
years.     The  present  superintendent  is  S.  A.  Gailey. 

Among  those  who  have  been  assistant  superintendents  have  been 
John  A.  Keesberr>%  James  W.  Trimmer,  Professor  D.  S.  Keith,  and  A. 
C.  Shand.  The  superintendents  of  the  primarj-  department  since  1S59 
have  been  Miss  Eliza  J.  McCormick,  for  seventeen  years ;  Mrs.  N.  C. 
Barclay,  for  five  years;  Jacob  Hirst,  for  four  years;  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Piper, 
Mrs.  A.  M.  Black,  and  Mrs.  Emma  Ritchey,  each  for  one  year;  and  Miss 
Millie  Majo,  for  three  years,  or  until  1884,  when  Mrs.  Catharine  Swoope 
assumed  charge  of  it.  This  school  is  the  mother  of  the  Presbyterian 
schools  in  the  city  of  Altoona.  It  has  given  of  its  membership  one 
hundred  in  all  to  the  organization  of  the  other  schools. 

The  contributions  last  year  amounted  to  three  hundred  and  eighty- 
two  dollars.  It  has  contributed  to  works  of  beneficence  two  thousand 
dollars,  and  eight  thousand  dollars  to  the  general  fund  of  the  church. 
It  has  always  had  a  most  efficient  corps  of  officers  and  teachers,  and  has 
been  well  conducted.  Its  present  membership  consists  of  fifty-one  offi- 
cers and  teachers  and  three  hundred  and  thirteen  scholars.  It  has  an 
average  attendance  of  two  hundred  and  thirty-four. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  of  Altoona 
was  organized  July  18,  1869,  with  a  membership  of  thirty-nine.  James 
H.  Dysart  was  the  first  superintendent  and  Maxwell  Kinkead  first  secre- 
tary. 

The  primar}-  department  was  organized  the  same  day  with  Daniel 
Laughman  superintendent,  and  had  eight  scholars.  At  the  end  of  the 
first  year  there  were  forty-five  officers  and  teachers  and  three  hundred 
and  one  scholars  in  the  main  school,  and  a  total  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty-six  in  the  primarj'  department  Mr.  Dysart  ser\'ed  as  super- 
intendent for  ten  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  J,  Chester  Wilson,  who 
served  five  years,  or  until  1S84.  Then  William  S.  Ross,  M.D.,  was 
chosen  and  served  five  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  J.  Chester  Wilson 
in  1889,  who  served  one  year.  The  present  superintendent,  H.  K.  Mc- 
Cauley,  was  chosen  in  1890.     These  men  have  all  been  faithful,  zealous. 


312  THE   CE.VTE.VXIAL   AXXIVERSAJiy 

and  efficient  officers.  Besides  those  named  above  the  associate  superin- 
tendents have  been  C.  J.  Mann,  Harr>'  Slep,  Mrs.  J.  M.  Campbell,  J.  D. 
Invin,  W.  A.  McGee,  Theodore  S.  Wigton,  A.  T.  Findley,  Miss  M.  M. 
Ross,  Mrs.  J.  L.  Russell,  and  Mrs.  M.  \V.  Thompson.  This  school  has 
furnished  the  following-named  persons  to  the  gospel  ministr}-, — viz.,  N. 
Perry  Crouse,  G.  Stuart  Hackett,  George  Plack,  Albert  C.  McCauley, 
Edward  D.  McDowell,  in  Syria,  Samuel  Martin,  and  Harrj-  Allen.  An- 
other member,  Ira  Laughman,  died  while  in  the  theological  seminary. 
This  school  has  an  enrolled  membership  of  thirteen  officers,  fifty-eight 
teachers,  and  five  hundred  and  twenty-three  scholars.  Miss  M.  M.  Ross 
is  superintendent  of  the  primary  department,  and  is  assisted  by  Mrs.  G. 
^I.  Esterline.  The  teachers  class  is  in  charge  of  Alexander  T.  Findley. 
The  contributions  during  the  past  year  aoioiinted  to  four  hundred  and 
^ightv-six  dollars,  of  which  amount  five  dollars  were  given  to  the  Blair 
County  Sabbath-School  Association,  one  hundred  and  twenty  dollars  to 
an  educational  fund,  and  one  hundred  and  eleven  dollars  to  the  boards 
of  the  church.  Its  average  attendance  during  the  past  year  was  three 
hundred  and  fort>'-eight. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Third  Church  of  Altoona  is  one  of  the 
younger  schools  of  the  Presbjiiery.  It  was  organized  on  Sabbath  after- 
noon. May  6,  1888,  in  the  chapel  of  the  German  Baptist  Church  on 
Fifth  Avenue  near  Fifth  Street,  as  a  mission  school  by  the  pastors.  Revs. 
J.  W.  Bain  and  J.  L.  Russell,  of  the  First  and  Second  Churches. 

It  numbered  four  officers,  nine  teachers,  and  fift>'-four  scholars,  and 
J.  D.  Irvin  was  chosen  superintendent.  The  sessions  were  held  in  the 
place  of  organization  until  December  9  following,  when  they  entered 
their  own  building  at  its  present  location.  Its  growth  was  so  encour- 
aging that  a  church  was  organized  the  following  Jemuarj-  14,  1889.  At 
the  end  of  the  first  year  there  were  one  hundred  and  twenty-three  en- 
rolled ;  at  the  end  of  the  second  year  two  hundred  and  eleven ;  at  the 
end  of  the  third  year  two  hundred  and  sixtj'-three ;  and  at  the  end  of 
the  fourth  year  two  hundred  and  seventy.  On  account  of  the  formation 
of  other  schools  about  it,  it  has  not  been  able  to  maintain  this  high 
number.  But  it  has  held  its  own,  and  now^  has  a  membership  of  thirty- 
five  officers  and  teachers  and  two  hundred  and  twenty-three  scholars, 
with  an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred  and  fift>'-nine. 

Mr.  Irvin  was  succeeded  by  Silas  Moyer  in  1S91,  then  followed  John 
H.  Keefer  and  John  S.  McCune,  who  each  served  two  years.  Mr.  Mc- 
Cune  is  still  in  charge.     The  primary  department  has  been  in  charge  of 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  313 

Mrs.  Emma  Scott  and  Miss  Ella  Walker,  who  have  been  efficient  in  this 
position. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Broad  Avenue  Church  of  Altoona  was 
organized  on  the  second  Sabbath  of  June,  1892,  being  Children's  Day, 
with  a  membership  of  fifty-four.  John  A.  Canan  was  chosen  superin- 
tendent, and  continued  to  serve  until  June  i,  1895,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  James  W.  Smiley.  They  have  made  such  rapid  growth  that 
it  now  has  a  membership  of  twenty-one  officers  and  teachers  and  two 
hundred  scholars. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Juniata  Presbyterian  Church,  Altoona, 
Pennsylvania,  was  organized  July  22,  1892,  with  a  membership  of  about 
fifty,  under  the  superintendency  of  T.  R.  Brown.  It  has  a  membership 
of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty,  and  its  officers  are  B.  T.  Wolf,  superin- 
tendent ;  E.  C.  Kinch,  assistant  superintendent ;  Miss  Mary  English, 
secretary  ;  and  W.  B.  McNeal,  treasurer. 

This  is  the  youngest  school  of  the  Presbytery  and  is  full  of  hope. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Logan's  Valley  Church  at  Bellwood  (for- 
merly Bell's  Mills)  is  an  outgrowth  of  a  union  school  that  was  carried 
on  for  a  number  of  years  in  the  Mary  Ann  Forge  school-house.  It 
dates  back  well  on  to  1850.  It  was  held  in  the  summer  months. 
Among  the  Presbyterian  families  in  this  school  were  the  McFarlanes, 
Irvvins,  Campbells,  Glasgows,  Craines,  Bells,  and  Hunters.  The  Baptists 
were  the  first  to  organize  a  denominational  school.  They  were  followed 
by  the  Methodists  in  1869.  It  was  in  that  year  that  the  Presbyterian 
school  was  organized  with  about  seventy-five  members.  The  pastor. 
Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers,  D.D.,  was  chosen  superintendent,  and  John  Camp- 
bell assistant.  Dr.  Mathers  filled  this  position  for  twent)'  years.  Dr. 
Rowan  Clark  was  subsequently  chosen  assistant  superintendent  and 
John  Campbell  treasurer,  which  position  the  latter  filled  until  his  death 
in  1883.  Dr.  Clark  has  done  much  to  promote  this  school.  Others  in 
the  school  have  been  T.  A.  Gettys,  F.  M.  Glasgow,  Mrs.  Rebecca  Ester- 
line,  Miss  Martha  Campbell,  Miss  Alice  Lindsey,  Miss  Lizzie  Bell,  Mrs. 
Samuel  Bell,  J.  B.  Campbell,  Mrs.  Igou,  Albert  McFarlane,  Mr.  Geesey, 
and  Miss  Edith  Bell.  It  is  now  in  a  prosperous  condition  under  the 
superintendency  of  O.  S.  Fleming,  who  has  filled  this  position  for  about 
five  years. 

It  has  an  enrolled  membership  of  twenty-two  officers  and  teachers 
and  one  hundred  and  seventy-four  scholars.  Mrs.  E.  C.  Mathers  is  in 
charge  of  the  primary  class.     Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell,  pastor  at  Mount 


314  THE   CENTENiXIAL   AXKIVERSARY 

Union,  was  a  member  of  this  school.  A  Sabbath-school  has  been  car- 
ried on  for  years  in  the  old  church  near  Tipton  during  the  summer.  It 
is  in  charge  of  Thomas  Fleck,  and  has  a  membership  of  forty-five. 

The  school  now  known  as  the  Port  Royal  Presbyterian  Sabbath- 
school  was  organized  in  the  year  1852.  It  was  an  outgrowth  of  a  union 
school  of  an  earlier  date.  The  first  superintendent  was  Colonel  John 
M.  Thompson,  who  held  this  office  until  1861.  He  was  succeeded  by 
Samuel  Buck,  with  Dr.  G.  M.  Graham  assistant  superintendent.  After 
the  removal  of  Mr.  Buck  from  Port  Royal,  and  the  death  of  Dr.  Graham 
in  1893,  Hon.  W.  C.  Pomeroy  was  elected  superintendent  and  Dr.  A. 
W.  Shelley  assistant.  The  school  is  now  in  a  good  condition  and  is 
doing  a  good  work.  It  numbers  five  officers,  eleven  teachers,  and 
one  hundred  and  fifty  scholars.  The  primary  class  was  first  taught  by 
Miss  Annie  Thompson,  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Dr.  G.  W.  Thompson,  and 
now  wife  of  Rev.  J.  H.  Stewart,  and  afterwards  by  Mrs.  E.  Buck,  Mrs. 
U.  Stewart,  Mrs.  J.  R.  Sartain,  and  now  by  Miss  Kate  Keister.  The  roll 
of  the  school  shows  a  large  attendance  of  the  young  people  who  are 
members  of  the  church. 

This  school  contributed  in  1894  seventeen  dollars  and  seventy- three 
cents  to  Sabbath-school  missions  and  forty-eight  dollars  for  its  own 
support. 

The  first  Sabbath-school  held  in  Mapleton,  according  to  the  recol- 
lection of  the  older  people,  was  in  the  year  1858.  It  was  a  union  school, 
and  Colonel  William  Donaldson  was  superintendent.  Colonel  Donald- 
son was  a  Presbyterian.  He  was  succeeded  by  William  H.  Rex,  who 
came  to  Mapleton  in  1859,  and  who  has  been  actively  identified  with  the 
work  there  ever  since.  According  to  the  diary  of  A.  W.  Swope,  Esq., 
for  the  year  1863,  the  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school  of  Mapleton  was 
organized  in  the  church  on  the  24th  of  May  of  that  year.  This  was 
about  eighteen  months  after  the  church  had  been  completed.  Rev. 
Britton  E.  Collins,  of  Shirleysburg,  was  the  stated  supply  of  this  con- 
gregation, and  preached  at  intervals  of  about  four  weeks.  William  H. 
Rex  was  chosen  superintendent,  which  office  he  faithfully  filled  until 
about  1886,  when  on  account  of  ill  health  he  was  compelled  to  retire 
from  such  active  service.  He  still  continued  to  teach  a  large  adult  class. 
The  history  of  the  school  is  about  four  years  older  than  that  of  the 
church. 

Other  superintendents  have  been  Benjamin  F.  Baker,  T.  Morris 
Wood,  and  J.  E.  Dysart,  who  is  at  present  acting,  with  A.  B.  Gillam  as 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTmCDON.  315 

assistant.  The  school  began  with  a  membership  of  about  twenty-five. 
It  now  has  an  enrolled  membership  of  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
three,  and  an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred.  It  contributed  last 
year  about  eightj--eight  dollars.  It  contributes  to  all  the  boards  of  the 
church. 

Those  active  in  the  beginning  of  the  school  were  Benjamin,  Daniel, 
Henry,  and  William  Kauffman,  M.  F.  Campbell,  A.  W.  Swope,  John 
Gayton,  Mrs.  Ann  Gayton,  Dr.  Alman,  Mrs.  David  Johnston,  Simon  P. 
Stubbs,  Miss  Amanda  Taylor,  and  John  J.  White.  Other  active  workers 
have  been  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  W.  Wright,  Mr.  and  Mrs  V.  B.  McCarthy, 
Elliott  Bitner,  and  G.  A.  Miller. 

J.  G.  Hicks  has  the  primary  class.  Mrs.  Hatfield  has  taught  a  large 
class  of  young  men  since  1883,  and  has  been  very  successful.  Mr. 
Hatfield  is  organist  as  well  as  teacher,  and  has  been  very  helpful  to 
the  school  since  1883.  This  school  is  well  provided  with  oflficers  and 
teachers,  and  is  in  an  encouraging  condition.  The  pastor,  D.  H.  Camp- 
bell, and  elders  do  much  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  school.  It  has 
from  the  first  continued  throughout  the  year.  This  school  has  grown 
rapidly  since  1883. 

The  first  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school  organized  in  Mount  Union 
dates  back  to  about  the  spring  of  1862,  when  a  school  was  organized  in 
the  old  church  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  G.  W.  Shaiffer,  pastor  of  the 
Shirleysburg  Church,  with  which  this  point  was  connected  at  that  time. 
J.  A.  J.  Postlethwaite  was  the  first  superintendent,  and  Alfred  Simons 
was  assistant.     The  attendance  was  about  twenty-five. 

Some  of  the  early  teachers  were  Mrs.  Lucy  Simons,  Mrs.  Jane 
Shaver,  Mrs.  Malinda  Sechler,  Miss  Mary  Ann  Shaver,  Elder  P.  R. 
Shaver,  and  Miss  Eva  Shaver.  After  the  first  year  its  sessions  were 
held  throughout  the  year.  Other  teachers  have  been  Miss  Emma  Sech- 
ler, J.  C.  Postlethwaite,  J.  S.  Coulter,  P.  Shaver,  Jr.,  Kate  Stewart,  Dr.  J, 
W.  Mackey,  Mrs.  Rhoda  Flasher,  Mrs.  A.  Covert,  and  Kate  Foust. 
Mr.  Postlethwaite  served  as  superintendent  until  1873,  excepting  the 
year  1870,  when  B.  J.  Devor,  and  in  1871,  when  T.  A.  Appleby,  served  as 
superintendents.  T.  A.  Appleby  was  chosen  in  1873,  and  has  filled  the 
office  to  the  present  time.  Other  assistants  have  been  Dr.  A.  R.  Mc- 
Carthy, W.  W.  Fuller,  J.  J.  White,  John  S.  Coulter,  J.  C.  Ross,  and  W. 
G.  Ewing.  The  history  of  the  school  is  older  than  that  of  the  church 
of  Mount  Union,  which  was  organized  in  1865.  About  the  year  1867 
the  school  was  removed  to  the  building  it  now  occupies.     R.  J.  Faust 


3l6  THE   CENTENXIAL  AXXIVERSARY 

was  elected  assistant  superintendent  in  1882,  and  since  that  time  has  had 
charge  of  the  primary  department,  which  has  five  teachers.  Mrs.  Nettie 
Hunter,  Mrs.  R.  Ross,  Mrs.  Simons,  Mrs.  A.  M.  Appleby,  and  B.  C. 
Wharton  have  been  teachers.  It  contributed  ninety-two  dollars  last 
year  to  the  boards  of  the  church  and  two  hundred  and  two  dollars  for 
home  use.  It  has  an  enrolled  membership  of  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
four  and  an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-three.  It  con- 
tributes to  all  the  boards  of  the  church.  The  pastor,  Rev.  D.  H.  Camp- 
bell, conducts  a  Bible-class  in  the  parsonage  on  Monday  evening  on  the 
study  of  the  next  Sabbath's  lesson. 

The  history  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  the  Tyrone  Church  begins  with 
a  union  school  held  in  the  basement  of  that  church  in  the  early  part  of 
1865.  with  Dr.  H.  H.  Roedel  superintendent.  The  Lutherans  having 
withdrawn  during  the  same  year,  the  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school  was 
organized  on  Wednesday  evening,  August  28,  1865,  and  the  pastor, 
Rev.  J.  H.  Clarke,  was  chosen  superintendent,  with  W.  H.  H.  Nevling 
assistant,  and  C.  S.  W.  Jones  librarian.  It  started  with  four  classes 
taught  by  W.  H.  H.  Nevling.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jones,  Mrs.  M.  Jolly,  and 
Mrs.  Ellen  Russell.  In  about  six  weeks  S.  C.  Laird,  Esq.,  was  chosen 
superintendent,  because  the  preaching  engagements  of  the  pastor  pre- 
vented him  from  regularly  filling  the  position.  Other  teachers  in  the 
school  were  Mrs.  Laird,  Mrs.  Read,  Emma  Jones,  Mo'.lie  Study,  Nannie 
Aults,  Miss  Elder,  Mrs.  KerHn,  William  Robertson,  H.  J.  Cornman, 
Thomas  Caldwell,  and  S.  W.  Barr.  Joseph  H.  Patterson  served  a  brief 
term  as  superintendent.  Other  superintendents  have  been  Hon.  Samuel 
McCamant,  serving  from  June,  1868,  to  March  31,  1878,  and  from  April 
I,  18S2,  to  March  31,  1887;  S.  S.  Blair,  from  April  i,  1878,  to  March  31, 
1882;  C.  J.  Kegel,  one  year  from  April  i,  1887;  J.  L.  Porter,  for  two 
years  from  April  i,  1888 ;  A.  A.  Witter,  for  one  year  from  April  i,  1890; 
and  W.  T.  Canan,  from  April  i,  1890,  to  the  present  time.  C.  O.  Tem- 
pleton.  Esq.,  has  charge  of  the  primary  department,  which  position  he 
has  filled  for  several  years.  This  school  has  at  present  fifteen  officers 
and  forty-seven  teachers.  One  of  the  interesting  features  of  the  school 
is  the  large  class  taught  by  the  pastor,  Rev.  Harvey  Graeme  Furbay, 
Ph.D.  It  has  an  enrolled  membership  of  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven 
and  an  average  attendance  of  four  hundred  and  twenty-five.  The  class 
collection  for  the  last  year  amounted  to  four  hundred  and  thirty-three 
dollars.  This  school  has  supplied  the  means  for  the  education  of  a 
native  Hindoo  for  the  ministrj',  and  it  now  supports  him.     He  labors 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  317 

under  the  direction  of  Rev.  J.  M.  Goheen  in  the  Kohlapoor  Mission, 
India,  and  his  name  is  "  Vitto."  This  is  the  largest  and  one  of  the  most 
prosperous  schools  in  the  Presbytery. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Milesburg  Presbyterian  Church  dates  its 
organization  from  May,  186S.  John  H.  Hahn  was  the  first  superintend- 
ent, and  the  school  began  with  a  membership  of  seventy-five.  W.  B. 
Thomas  became  superintendent  in  1886  and  served  until  1895,  when  D. 
E.  Woodring  was  chosen  to  that  office.  J.  B.  Thomas,  Miss  Sarah  C. 
Thomas,  Miss  Julia  A.  J.  Morris,  and  Miss  Lizzie  Hahn  have  been  active 
workers  in  this  school.  It  still  has  a  number  of  active  and  efficient 
workers,  and  the  pastor.  Rev.  W.  O.  Wright,  writes  of  it,  saying,  "  The 
school  has  always  been  good,  and  has  never  stopped  for  one  Sabbath, 
not  even  after  the  fire  in  June,  1888."  It  has  sixteen  officers  and  teachers 
and  one  hundred  and  eleven  scholars.  Miss  Annie  Church  is  in  charge 
of  the  primary  class. 

Of  the  Moshannon  Sabbath-school  Rev.  W.  O.  Wright  writes,  say- 
ing, "In  1 86 1  I  taught  in  the  Sabbath-school  of  the  old  Moshannon 
Church  before  I  was  in  the  ministry.  It  was  then  in  a  good  condition, 
but  I  do  not  know  who  was  superintendent.  I  think  it  was  a  Mr. 
Herxtall.  When  I  entered  on  the  work  there  the  school  had  gone 
down.  Then  there  was  no  Sabbath-school  until  reorganized  about  1892. 
But  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  then  appointed  preaching  service 
there  at  the  same  hour  that  the  school  met  and  it  went  down  again.  It 
was  again  reorganized  about  May,  1895,  and  has  now  an  enrolled  mem- 
bership of  fifty-nine.  T.  D.  Weaver  is  superintendent,  and  W.  T.  Lomi- 
son  assistant."  It  has  about  six  active  workers,  and  its  prospect  of 
continued  life  and  of  doing  good  is  encouraging. 

In  respect  to  the  Sabbath-school  of  Snow  Shoe  City,  it  has  had  a 
continued  existence  since  its  organization  about  July  17,  1869.  John  S. 
Gomerville  was  an  active  promoter  of  this  school,  and  was  probably  the 
first  superintendent.  Other  superintendents  have  been  Adam  Barr, 
Joseph  Thompson,  John  D.  Brown,  and  the  present  one,  Peter  Park, 
who  was  elected  in  September,  1895. 

This  school  has  nine  officers  and  teachers  and  fifty-nine  scholars, 
with  average  attendance  of  forty-four. 

The  last  two  named  schools  are  in  coal  regions  and  have  a  fluctuating 
membership. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Osceola  Presbyterian  Church  was  first 
organized  as  a  union  school,  and  it  continued  such  until  in  the  year  187 1, 


3l8  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

when  the  Methodist  Church  was  completed,  and  they  organized  a  school 
of  their  own. 

Then  it  became  strictly  Presbyterian,  and  since  that  time  it  has  had 
the  following  superintendents, — viz.,  J.  R.  Cameron,  A.  H.  Greenwalt, 
Hugh  Campbell,  H.  \V.  Brown,  and  G.  W.  Boone.  The  last  named  is 
now  superintendent. 

While  since  the  year  1871  four  other  schools  have  been  organized  in 
the  borough  of  Osceola,  the  growth  of  this  school  has  been  encouraging, 
and  its  present  condition  is  a  healthful  one.  It  has  an  enrolled  member- 
ship of  one  hundred  and  eighty,  and  an  average  attendance  of  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-one. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Spring  Creek  Church  was  organized  on 
May  21,  1866,  in  the  old  Branch  Church.  The  pastor.  Rev.  Robert 
Hamill,  was  chosen  superintendent.  General  John  Fraser  assistant  super- 
intendent, Moses  Thompson  treasurer,  and  William  Thompson  secre- 
tary. The  first  teachers  were  General  John  Fraser,  Miss  Sarah  Allen, 
Mrs.  E.  W.  Thompson,  Miss  Lizzie  Boal,  John  Hamilton,  John  Moore, 
William  Thompson,  Miss  Rebecca  Lyon,  and  Mrs.  Margaret  McFarlane. 
At  the  end  of  the  first  year  General  John  Fraser  was  chosen  superin- 
tendent, and  a  few  years  later  William  Thompson  was  elected  to  this 
office,  which  he  still  continues  to  hold,  although  the  duties  of  the  office 
have  been  performed  for  some  time  past  by  John  J.  Thompson,  Jr.,  who 
is  now  in  fact  the  acting  superintendent.  The  sessions  of  this  Sabbath- 
school  have  continued  without  intermission  since  its  organization. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Lower  Spruce  Creek  Church  was  organ- 
ized in  the  year  1872  with  a  membership  of  forty,  under  the  pastorate  of 
Rev.  J.  J.  Coale.  It  is  not  known  who  was  the  first  superintendent. 
The  only  record  we  have  at  hand  is  that  E.  B.  Isett  filled  the  office  in 
the  years  1891  and  1892,  and  that  Asbel  Welch  was  elected  in  1893  and 
served  until  the  summer  of  1895,  when  he  removed  to  Philadelphia. 
W.  B.  Isett  is  now  the  acting  superintendent.  Among  those  who  have 
had  charge  of  the  primarj'  class  are  Miss  Sallie  Thompson  and  Miss 
Elanor  Isett. 

Since  early  in  1893  to  the  present  time  it  has  been  under  the  efficient 
care  of  Mrs.  L.  K.  Thompson.  The  school  has  an  enrolled  membership 
of  thirteen  officers  and  teachers  and  seventy  scholars,  and  an  average 
attendance  of  fifty-five.  In  1894  it  contributed  thirty  dollars  to  the 
mission  boards  of  the  church  and  seventy-eight  dollars  for  its  own  support. 
It  is  in  an  encouraging  condition,  and  has  a  number  of  good  workers. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  319 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Bradford  Presbyterian  Church  had  its 
origin  in  a  union  school  in  the  old  church,  which  in  1S72,  when  the  new 
church  building  in  Bigler  was  completed,  was  taken  into  it.  The  first 
year  there  it  was  a  union  school,  and  Angus  M.  Gill  was  its  superin- 
tendent. Then  it  became  a  Presbyterian  school.  Some  years  after  Mr. 
Angus  M.  Gill  was  succeeded  by  Lowry  Gill.  He  was  in  turn  followed 
by  John  L  Pearce,  the  only  elder  now  in  that  church,  who,  with  the 
exception  of  one  year  by  Samuel  H.  Gill,  has  faithfiilly  filled  the  office 
up  to  the  present  time.  This  school  had  an  enrolment  of  sixty  in  its 
beginning,  while  at  the  present  time  it  does  not  have  more  than  fifty 
members,  and  these  are  irregular  in  their  attendance.  Death  and  re- 
movals have  done  much  to  deplete  their  roll.  There  are  but  two  in  the 
school  now  who  were  members  at  its  organization.  These  are  Miss 
Lizzie  Pearce,  who  teaches  a  young  ladies'  class,  and  the  superintendent. 
Mr.  Pearce  has  been  a  faithful  officer  and  teacher  in  this  school  for  many 
years.  He  writes  of  it,  saying,  "  Sometimes  I  think  we  will  have  to  close 
the  school,  but  the  good  Lord  always  opens  the  way  to  go  on."  They 
have  always  had  a  few  active  workers,  and  these  have  kept  up  the  school. 
Miss  Cora  Fulton  has  been  in  charge  of  the  primary  class. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  ]?uffalo  Run  Presbyterian  Church  was 
organized  April  9,  18  ,  with  seventy-six  members.  Joseph  M.  Wilson 
was  chosen  superintendent.  William  F.  Thompson  became  superin- 
tendent in  1872,  and  continued  in  office  until  1882,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  B.  F.  Thompson.  Other  superintendents  have  been  William 
McClelland,  George  Musser,  G.  Dorsey  Green,  and  J.  W.  Marshall,  who 
is  now  in  office.  The  school  at  present  has  a  membership  of  seventy, 
and  is  in  a  fairly  flourishing  condition. 

The  Orbisonia  Sabbath-school  was  organized  in  October,  1874, 
during  the  ministry  of  Rev.  William  Prideaux.  The  first  superintendent 
was  R.  J.  Coons.  It  was  a  mixed  school  for  some  years,  and  had  various 
denominations  represented  in  its  teaching  corps,  and  met  in  the  afternoon. 
Other  superintendents  have  been  J.  M.  Rankin,  Solomon  Coons,  John 
R.  Wilson,  Professor  S.  G.  Rudy,  and  Johnston  Archey.  The  present 
superintendent  is  R.  J.  Coons.  Mr.  Edgar  Shaver  has  served  as  a  teacher 
and  active  worker  in  this  school  for  years.  While  the  church  was  with- 
out a  settled  pastor  the  school  held  its  own  steadilj',  and  was  the  life  of 
the  church.     The  present  enrolled  membership  is  eighty. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Petersburg  Presbyterian  Church  appears 
to  have  been  organized  on  the  22d  of  April,  1877,  with  forty-one  mem- 


320  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

bers.  Samuel  K.  Wliarton  was  the  first  superintendent.  David  Slieasley 
succeeded  him  in  the  following  year,  and  served  until  iS88.  During 
these  years  the  school  about  maintained  its  own.  Then  John  Porter 
served  for  three  years.  The  school  gained  both  in  numbers  and  interest 
during  these  years.  Hon.  George  M.  Cresswell  was  elected  in  1 891,  and 
at  present  continues  to  fill  the  office.  The  school  has  had  an  encouraging 
growth,  and  has  now  an  enrolled  membership  of  one  hundred  and  forty- 
nine,  with  an  average  attendance  of  eighty.  Its  contributions  for  last 
year  amounted  to  cight}'-fi\'e  dollars  and  eighty-eight  cents.  Mrs.  S.  K. 
Wharton  has  charge  of  the  primary  class. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  Robertsdale  was  organized  in  June,  1883,  uith 
about  twenty-five  members,  and  Dr.  J.  A.  Crewett  was  chosen  superin- 
tendent. He  having  removed  from  the  community  the  following  year,  Mr. 
H.  R.  Shearer  was  chosen  to  succeed  him,  and  still  fills  the  office.  Very 
few  of  the  scholars  of  the  school  belong  to  the  families  of  the  church. 
They  come  mostly  from  other  Protestant  families.  It  is  largely  a  mission 
school.  It  is  now,  and  has  been  for  years,  mainly  supported  by  the  super- 
intendent, his  wife,  and  three  daughters.  It  is  somewhat  fluctuating  in 
its  attendance.  Rev.  N.  A.  McDonald,  D.D.,  is  the  stated  supply  of  this 
church,  preaching  once  a  month. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  Irvona  was  organized  in  the  waiting-room 
of  the  Bell's  Gap  Railroad,  now  the  Pennsylvania  and  Northwestern 
Railroad  ticket-office,  with  eight  persons  present,  on  the  17th  day 
of  May,  1885,  and  C.  B.  McKean  was  chosen  superintendent,  with 
David  Cline  assistant.  It  was  established  in  a  lumber  and  coal  com- 
munity, where  there  is  also  a  large  tanner}',  and  has  done  an  excellent 
work  in  that  community.  The  average  attendance  for  the  first  year  was 
twenty-six,  and  for  1894  it  was  ninety -six,  showing  an  encouraging 
growth.  Rev.  F.  T.  Wheeler,  who  was  five  years  pastor  of  this  church, 
did  much  to  promote  this  school.  C.  B.  McKean  did  efficient  service  in 
this  school  during  the  first  four  years.  It  has  had  as  superintendents 
Herman  Haupt,  J.  C.  McGaughey,  H.  D.  Pearce,  and  T.  W.  Bailey, 
who  at  present  is  its  superintendent.  Mrs.  James  Haley,  Mrs.  Brown, 
Mrs.  Callie  Dotts,  James  Haley,  Mrs.  Bailey,  and  Mrs.  Heims  have 
been  active  workers  in  this  school.  Its  present  membership  consists 
of  nineteen  officers  and  teachers  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-five 
scholars. 

It  is  with  regret  that  we  are  compelled  to  note  the  fact  that  more 
than  twenty  of  our  churches  have  failed  to  send  any  facts  relating  to  the 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  32 1 

history  and  working  of  their  Sabbath-schools.     We  give  a  few  facts  we 
know  about  them. 

The  Bellefonte  Church  has  a  most  prosperous  school,  with  an  enrolled 
membership  of  twenty-five  officers  and  teachers  and  two  hundred  and 
fifty  scholars,  and  an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred  and  sixty.  J. 
W.  Kephart  is  the  superintendent,  and  J.  C.  Weaver  is  assistant,  and 
Mrs.  Mary  Gray  has  charge  of  the  primary  department.  General  James 
A.  Beaver,  a  judge  of  the  Superior  Court,  was  for  years  a  successful 
superintendent  of  this  school,  and  is  still  an  active  worker  in  it.  It  con- 
tributed last  year  three  hundred  and  thirty-seven  dollars  to  the  boards 
of  the  church,  sixty-eight  dollars  to  other  benevolent  objects,  and  fifty- 
eight  dollars  for  its  own  support.  Rev.  J.  H.  Orbison,  M.D.,  of  India, 
was  a  member  of  this  school. 

The  Spruce  Creek  Church  is  another  of  the  old  churches,  and  has 
an  honorable  history.  It  has  an  interesting  unwritten  Sabbath-school 
history.  It  has  three  schools  within  its  bounds.  The  one  at  the  main 
church  at  Graysville  is  the  oldest.  Its  sessions  have  not  been  held 
throughout  the  year.  The  families  of  Olivers,  Reynolds,  McWilliams, 
and  Wigtons  have  been  active  workers  in  this  school.  Andrew  Oliver 
is  superintendent.  Revs.  J.  C.  Oliver  and  J.  M.  Goheen  were  members 
of  this  school.  Another  school  has  been  held  in  the  chapel  at  Bailley- 
ville  since  it  was  built.  This  school  continues  throughout  the  year. 
The  present  superintendent  is  William  Gardner.  A.  G.  Evving  acted  in 
this  capacity  for  years  prior  to  his  death.  A.  E.  Clemson  is  teacher  of 
the  adult  class.  The  Goheens,  Baileys,  Lyons,  and  Porters  have  been 
active  in  this  school. 

The  third  school  is  held  in  the  chapel  at  Colerain,  and  is  continued 
throughout  the  year.  The  school  has  been  in  charge  of  Miss  C.  E. 
Stewart,  who  has  been  assisted  by  her  sister,  Miss  Margaret,  and  others. 
These  schools  have  a  membership  of  two  hundred  and  twenty-five,  and 
an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred  and  eight}'.  They  contributed 
last  year  to  missions  forty-three  dollars  and  eighty  dollars  to  self-support. 

The  West  Kishacoquillas  Church  has  four  schools  within  its  bounds. 
Two  of  these,  Airy  Dale  and  Shiloh,  are  union  schools,  and  do  not  con- 
tinue all  the  year.  The  school  at  Belleville  is  in  charge  of  J.  R.  Fleming, 
and  continues  all  the  year.  Oliver  Campbell  was  for  many  years  the 
superintendent  of  this  school.  The  one  at  Allensville  has  also  had  con- 
tinuous sessions,  and  is  in  charge  of  William  Huey.  The  membership  of 
these  schools  is  one  hundred  and  sixty-eight,  and  the  average  attendance 

21 


322  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

is  one  hundred  and  thirty-se\en.  They  contributed  eighty-four  dollars 
to  missions,  fourteen  dollars  to  other  benevolent  objects,  and  thirty-eight 
dollars  for  self-support  last  year.     Their  condition  is  encouraging. 

The  school  of  the  East  Kishacoquillas  Church  dates  back  at  least 
fifty  \-ears  in  its  history.  The  sessions  were  for  many  years  held  in  the 
brick  church  located  about  one  mile  from  Reedsville,  and  did  not  con- 
tinue all  the  year.  Since  the  church  has  been  built  in  the  town  the 
school  has  been  removed  to  it,  where  its  sessions  are  held  all  the  year, 
and  its  membership  has  been  largely  increased.  This  has  also  added  to 
the  comfort  and  efficiency  of  the  school.  The  superintendent  is  Robert 
Reed,  and  Dr.  S.  H.  Rothrock  is  assistant ;  Mrs.  Emma  Foster  has  charge 
of  the  primary  class.  Mrs.  J.  E.  Henry  and  Miss  Anna  Kyle  have  also 
had  charge  of  this  class.  Albert  Foster  has  also  served  as  superin- 
tendent. It  numbers  twenty-four  officers  and  teachers  and  one  hundred 
and  fifty-one  scholars.  It  contributed  last  year  fourteen  dollars  to  Sab- 
bath-school missions  and  seventy-five  dollars  to  self-support. 

The  history  of  the  school  of  the  McVeytown  (formerly  VVaynesburg) 
Church  goes  back  among  the  oldest  of  the  Presbytery. 

In  the  year  1856  Waynesburg  and  Newton  Hamilton  Churches 
reported  eighty  children  in  Sabbath-school.  This  has  for  years  been  an 
active  and  flourishing  school.  The  superintendent,  Jacob  R.  Wirt,  has 
filled  this  position  for  years,  and  James  Macklin  is  assistant  superin- 
tendent. Misses  Beckie  Patterson  and  Mary  E.  Mateer  are  infant-class 
teachers.  Mrs.  Laura  Macklin  and  Miss  Laura  Leffard  have  also  had 
charge  of  this  class.  It  has  a  membership  of  thirteen  officers  and  teachers 
and  one  hundred  and  sixty  scholars,  and  an  average  attendance  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty.     It  contributed  eighty-four  dollars  last  year. 

The  school  of  the  Duncansville  Presbyterian  Church  dates  its  history 
from  the  organization  of  the  church  in  1 846.  For  many  years  a  Sabbath- 
school  has  been  held  in  this  church.  The  present  superintendent  is  D. 
M.  Thompson,  and  the  primar)'  class  teachers  are  Miss  Sue  Thompson, 
Miss  Kate  Walker,  and  Miss  Edith  Merriman.  It  has  a  membership  of 
ninety-two,  and  an  average  attendance  of  sixty-five.  It  contributed  sixty 
dollars  last  year. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  Bedford  is  in  charge  of  Professor  C.  J.  Potts. 
He  has  filled  this  position  since  1892.  His  predecessor  was  J.  C.  Rus- 
sell. Mrs.  A.  B.  Riddle,  Miss  Laura  Armstrong,  and  Miss  Eleanor  Hall 
are  teachers  in  the  primary  department.  W.  P.  Schcll  is  assistant  super- 
intendent.    It  numbers  fifteen  officers  and  teachers  and  ninety  scholars, 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTIXGDON.  323 

and  has  an  average  attendance  of  seventy-five.     This  is  one  of  the  oldest 
schools. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Lost  Creek  Church  at  McAlisterville  is 
contemporary  with  the  Sabbath-school  of  Westminster  of  Mifflin.  Its 
history  will  date  back  with  that.  The  superintendent  is  E.  L.  Jamison, 
who  has  served  for  a  number  of  years.  His  assistants  are  William  Van- 
ormer  and  P.  M.  Shirk.  Dena  Moore  has  charge  of  the  primary  class, 
and  Maggie  Wilson  is  assistant. 

The  school  numbers  one  hundred  and  thirty,  and  has  an  average 
attendance  of  ninety-eight.  Last  year  it  contributed  eighteen  dollars  to- 
missions  and  thirty-four  dollars  for  its  own  use. 

The  history  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  Curwensville  and  that  of  the 
church  are  one,  and  date  from  about  1S50.  This  school  has  been  in 
operation  for  years.  Colonel  E.  A.  Irvin,  Heniy  Kerns,  J.  A.  Read,  Miss 
Alice  Irvin,  and  Lizzie  and  Hal  Crouch  have  done  much  to  promote  it. 
It  has  fifteen  officers  and  teachers  and  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  scholars, 
and  an  average  attendance  of  ninety-eight.  Last  year  it  contributed  one 
hundred  and  thirteen  dollars  for  its  own  use. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Middle  Tuscarora  Church  goes  back 
beyond  1850.  It  has  two'  Sabbath-schools,  one  at  McCullough's  Mills, 
with  Professor  J.  H.  Landis  superintendent,  and  A.  S.  Raffensperger 
assistant,  and  Mrs.  Ludwig  and  Mrs.  Milliken  in  charge  of  the  primary 
class ;  and  the  other  at  East  Waterford,  with  C.  N.  Ramsey  superin- 
tendent, and  J.  T.  Shirk  assistant.  Effie  Robison  and  Lottie  Loudon 
are  in  charge  of  the  primary  classes. 

The  membership  of  the  McCullough's  Mills  school  is  one  hundred 
and  twenty,  and  that  of  East  Waterford  is  fifty-nine,  and  they  contributed 
twenty-three  dollars  last  year.  They  continue  all  the  year  and  are 
prosperous. 

The  Sabbath-school  history  of  the  Bald  Eagle  Church  began  with 
that  of  the  church  in  1859.  It  has  for  years  had  within  its  bounds  two 
Sabbath-schools.  The  one  at  Port  Matilda  is  the  larger,  and  the  present 
superintendent  is  Jacob  Woodring,  and  Candace  Woodring  has  charge 
of  the  primary  class.  This  school  has  twelve  officers  and  teachers  and 
ninety-eight  scholars,  and  an  average  attendance  of  seventy-five,  and  con- 
tributed last  year  twenty-six  dollars.  The  one  at  Unionville,  Fleming 
Post-Office,  is  in  charge  of  Mrs.  Margaret  Holtzworth,  and  has  seven 
officers  and  teachers  and  sixty-eight  scholars,  with  an  average  attendance 
of  sixty.     It  contributed  thirty-three  dollars  last  year. 


324  THE    CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Tliese  schools  report  an  encouraging  condition.  They  are  at  present 
without  a  pastor's  care.  The  Thompsons  and  Campbells  have  been 
active  promoters  of  the  Sabbath-school  work  in  this  congregation.  The 
late  pastor  was  Rev.  George  Elliott,  who  did  much  for  this  cause.  These 
schools  continue  throughout  the  year. 

The  history  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  Fruit  Hill  Church  probably 
dates  from  the  organization  of  the  church  in  1839.  In  the  earlier  years 
of  it,  it  was  not  open  all  the  year.  It  has  had  all-year  sessions  at  least 
since  1874.  The  Sabbath-school  membership  at  the  beginning  of  the 
pastorate  of  Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell  in  1875  was  about  one  hundred,  while 
in  1884  it  was  increased  to  three  hundred  in  two  schools,  one  in  the 
church  and  the  other  at  Glen  Hope.  Among  its  superintendents  have 
been  John  Thomson,  Joseph  McNeal,  R.  M.  Johnston,  Reuben  Cald- 
well, John  G  Wilson,  Taylor  McNeal,  and  Joseph  Patterson.  The  present 
one  is  Newell  Witherow.  It  contributed  last  )'ear  thirty-eight  dollars  to 
the  mission  work  and  thirty  dollars  for  its  own  use.  It  has  for  years 
contributed  to  the  mission  boards.  It  has  a  membership  of  one  hundred 
and  forty. 

This  is  the  main  school.  Another  school  is  held  in  the  chapel  at 
Berwinsdale.  Hezekiah  Patterson  is  superintendent.  This  is  a  school 
of  a  short  history.  It  has  a  membership  of  si.xty-six,  and  an  average 
attendance  of  twenty-eight,  and  contributed  twenty-si.x  dollars  last  year. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Philipsburg  Presbyterian  Church  dates  its 
history  at  least  to  the  organization  of  the  church  in  1857.  For  years  it 
did  not  have  an  encouraging  growth.  In  1878  it  had  a  membership  of 
sixty-five.  Rev.  Thomas  Thompson  was  in  charge  at  that  time.  He 
also  labored  at  Morrisdale  Mines,  where  there  was  a  Sabbath-school  of 
two  hundred  members,  it  being  a  mining  district,  and  by  the  year  1886 
it  was  extinct.  The  Philipsburg  school  has  especially  made  rapid  growth 
since  Rev.  W.  W.  Woodend,  D.D.,  began  his  labor  there  about  1881. 
The  present  superintendent  of  this  school  is  G.  H.  Lichtenthaler,  and 
other  recent  superintendents  have  been  W.  W.  Wikel,  C.  E.  Murray,  and 
G.  W.  Ganoe.  Mrs.  William  Burchfield  and  J.  H.  Dysart  have  had 
charge  of  the  primary  class.  It  is  now  in  charge  of  Miss  Helen  Forshey. 
The  membership  of  the  school  consists  of  twenty-seven  officers  and 
teachers  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  scholars,  and  it  has  an  average  at- 
tendance of  one  hundred  and  eighty.  It  contributed  last  year  sixty- 
eight  dollars  to  the  mission  boards  of  the  church  and  one  hundred  and 
fourteen  dollars  for  self-support.     This  church   has  a  mission   school 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  325 

named  Pleasant  Hill  that  has  a  membership  of  eleven  officers  and 
teachers  and  ninety-one  scholars.  It  has  an  average  attendance  of 
sixty-one,  and  is  open  all  the  year. 

The  history  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  Houtzdale  dates  from  about 
the  year  1874  or  1875.  The  church  was  organized  in  1875.  The  first 
report  of  the  school  to  Presbytery  was  in  1878,  when  it  reported  a  mem- 
bership of  si.xty.  Mr.  Peter  Cameron  and  his  wife  and  family  have  had 
much  to  do  in  organizing  and  in  helping  to  carry  on  this  school.  It 
was  organized  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  William  Gemmill.  It  was  first 
held  in  private  houses.  Peter  Cameron  was  most  probably  the  first 
superintendent,  and  has  served  in  that  capacity  for  a  number  of  years. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Watchman  and  James  Blades  were  among  the  organizers 
of  it.  Miss  Christine  Cameron  has  rendered  most  efficient  service  in  the 
primary  department.  The  superintendent  is  Peter  Cameron,  who  prob- 
ably has  filled  this  office  since  the  organization  of  the  school.  It  has  a 
membership  of  fifteen  officers  and  teachers  and  one  hundred  and  seventy- 
one  scholars,  and  an  average  attendance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-one, 
and  it  contributed  last  year  twenty  dollars  to  the  boards  of  the  church 
and  ninety-seven  dollars  fqr  self-support. 

The  Amesville  Mission  School  (union)  is  maintained  by  this  church. 
It  has  a  membership  of  eighty-six,  and  is  open  all  the  year. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  State  College  dates  its  history  from  the  time 
its  chapel  was  erected  and  dedicated  in  March,  1888.  There  were  some 
efforts  to  start  a  school  there  prior  to  this,  but  they  were  not  successful. 
It  began  with  a  membership  of  fifty- six.  It  was  in  connection  with  the 
Spring  Creek  Church.  Professor  John  Hamilton  was  chosen  superin- 
tendent, and  has  continued  as  such  to  date.  The  church  was  organized 
in  1892.  It  has  a  membership  of  seventeen  officers  and  teachers  and 
ninety-two  scholars,  and  an  average  attendance  of  seventy-five.  Mrs. 
Josephine  Pearce  has  charge  of  the  primary  class.  George  C.  Butts  is 
assistant  superintendent.  It  contributed  in  1894  twenty-four  dollars  to 
Sabbath-school  missions  and  fifty-seven  dollars  for  its  own  use.  It  is 
one  of  our  young  and  vigorous  schools. 

The  history  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  the  church  of  Everett  probably 
goes  beyond  the  organization  of  the  church  in  1874.  This  school  has 
just  about  maintained  itself.  In  the  year  1877  it  reported  a  membership 
of  forty.  In  1895  it  reported  a  membership  of  thirty-five,  with  an  average 
attendance  of  twenty-eight.  This,  although  a  smaller  number,  judging 
from  the  average  attendance,  is  a  stronger  school  than  it  was  a  few  yeais 


326  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

ago.  Thomas  A.  Davis  was  for  years  superintendent.  The  present  one 
is  Rev.  Georjje  P.  Weaverling.  It  contributed  last  year  thirteen  dollars 
to  missions  and  nineteen  dollars  for  self-support. 

The  history  of  the  Sabbath-school  of  Schellsburg  most  probably 
begins  some  years  after  the  organization  of  the  church  in  1833.  Within 
the  last  twenty  years  this  school  has  about  held  its  own.  The  reported 
•membership  in  1881  was  the  same  as  that  reported  in  1895,  which  is 
forty-five.  Its  average  attendance  is  thirty-five.  It  contributed  last  year 
seven  dollars  to  the  boards  and  twelve  dollars  for  its  own  use.  Isaiah 
Conley  is  superintendent.  R.  M.  Taylor  preceded  him.  Mrs.  Sue  Taylor 
and  Mrs.  Anna  Wright  are  primary  teachers. 

The  Sabbath-schools  of  the  Upper  Tuscarora  and  Peru  Churches 
have  not  been  maintained  th.roughout  the  year.  Their  sessions  have 
been  held  during  the  pleasanter  months  of  the  year,  and  close  late  in  the 
fall.  The  superintendent  of  the  former  is  James  H.  Speer.  This  position 
was  filled  for  many  years  by  J.  B.  Morrow.  The  Blairs  have  been  active 
promoters  of  this  school.  J.  M.  Blair  is  now  assistant  superintendent. 
Miss  M.  J.  Morrow  had  charge  of  the  primary  class  for  years  prior  to 
her  marriage.  The  superintendent  of  the  Peru  Mills  Sabbath-school  is 
R.  H.  Patterson,  an  elder,  who  has  been  in  this  position  for  years  past. 
He  has  been  assisted  by  his  wife  and  sister.  The  membership  of  the 
Upper  Tuscarora  school  is  seventy,  and  it  contributed  in  1894  twenty 
dollars  to  the  boards  of  the  church  and  seventeen  for  self-support.  Mrs. 
J.  F.  Deiner  and  family  are  active  workers  in  this  school.  The  average 
attendance  is  fifty,  and  the  membership  is  sixty. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Sinking  Creek  Presbyterian  Church  goes 
back  to  an  early  date.  But  we  have  no  facts  about  its  origin.  This 
school  has  been  on  the  stand-still  for  years.  Yet  the  work  has  gone  on. 
In  the  year  1877,  when  Rev.  T.  A.  Robinson  was  pastor,  it  reported  a 
membership  of  forty.  Its  present  membership  is  forty-one,  and  its 
average  attendance  is  thirty.  It  is  without  a  pastor.  The  pastors  have 
been  W.  K.  Foster,  J.  H.  Kerr,  and  H.  C.  Baskerville.  The  present 
superintendent  is  Dr.  William  A.  McGeehon,  and  Mrs.  Sadie  Bushman 
is  the  primary  class  teacher.  G.  O.  Benner  preceded  Dr.  McGeehon, 
and  Mrs.  John  Dauberman  has  had  charge  of  the  primary  class.  It  con- 
tributed twenty-seven  dollars  last  year  for  self-support. 

The  Sabbath- school  of  the  Shaver's  Creek  Presbyterian  Church  has 
an  interesting  historj%  but  the  facts  have  not  been  given.  Under  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  J.  C.  Wilhelm,  in  the  year  1877,  it  reported  a  member- 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDOX.  327 

ship  of  sixty,  while  in  1S95  it  reported  forty,  and  an  average  attendance 
of  twenty-five.  James  Smith,  the  superintendent,  and  Hugh  Jackson 
and  their  famihes,  with  the  Mitchells  and  others,  have  maintained  this 
school.  It  is  not  open  all  the  year.  It  contributed  eight  dollars  for 
self-support  last  year. 

The  Kylertown  Church  and  Sabbath-school  seem  to  be  without  any 
dates  of  beginning.  In  1878  the  Sabbath-school  reported  a  membership 
of  fifty.  Its  present  membership  is  eighty-two,  and  it  has  an  average 
attendance  of  fifty.  Jackson  Hoover,  an  elder,  is  superintendent,  and  has 
served  since  1891,  and  probably  for  years  prior  to  that.  Miss  Minta 
Hoover  has  had  charge  of  the  primary  class.  Mrs.  Merron  and  Miss 
Blam  are  now  the  teachers  of  this  class.  It  contributed  last  year  eight 
dollars  to  Sabbath-school  mission  and  seventy  dollars  for  self-support. 

The  Winburne  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school,  which  is  an  outgrowth 
of  the  work  of  the  Kylertown  Church,  dates  its  history  before  the  organi- 
zation of  the  church,  which  was  in  189 1.  In  that  year  the  Kylertown 
Church  reported  a  Sabbath-school  membership  of  two  hundred  and  five, 
while  in  the  next  year  it  reported  one  hundred  and  five,  just  one  hun- 
dred less. 

This  is  a  young  and  vigorous  school.  Samuel  M.  Dunlap  was  chosen 
at  its  organization,  and  is  still  its  superintendent.  It  is  located  in  a 
mining  region.  It  has  a  membership  of  fifteen  officers  and  teachers  and 
one  hundred  and  thirty  scholars.  J.  L.  Sommerville  has  been  an  active 
promoter  of  this  school.  Mrs.  J.  L.  Sommerville  has  charge  of  the  pri- 
mary class.  It  contributed  twenty  dollars  last  year  to  the  church  boards 
and  fifty-two  dollars  towards  self-support. 

The  Kerrmoor  Presbyterian  Sabbath-school  was  an  outgrowth  of  the 
Fruit  Hill  Church  and  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  at  Lumber  City. 
Members  of  these  two  churches  organized  this  school.  It  antedates  the 
organization  of  the  church  in  1888.  J.  S.  McCreary  was  the  first  super- 
intendent, and  is  now.  It  reported  in  1889  a  membership  of  ninety.  Its 
present  membership  is  eighty-four,  with  an  average  attendance  of  sixty- 
five.  Mrs.  Blair  Stevens  and  Mrs.  T.  P.  Stevens  have  charge  of  the  pri- 
mary class.  Last  year  it  contributed  sixteen  dollars  to  Sabbath-school 
mission  and  twenty  dollars  for  self-support. 

The  Sabbath-school  of  the  Coalport  Presbyterian  Church  was  organ- 
ized about  1888,  for  in  that  jear  it  reported  a  Sabbath-school  membership 
of  eighty,  which  in  1892  was  increased  to  one  hundred  and  thirtj'-three. 
It  at  present  reports  a  membership  of  seventy-one,  and  an  average  attend- 


328  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

ance  of  forty-six.  \V.  J.  Caldwell  has  probably  been  superintendent 
since  its  organization.  Miss  Ada  Lydick  has  been  in  charge  of  the  pri- 
mary class,  and  still  cares  for  it,  and  is  assisted  by  Miss  Kate  Caldwell. 

The  churches  of  Woodland  and  Hyndman  have  never  had  any  Sab- 
bath-school.  The  Bethel  Sabbath-school  has  been  on  the  decline  ever 
since  the  organization  of  the  Petersburg  school  in  1877;  until  within  the 
last  year  or  two  it  has  reported  no  school.  Glenhope  and  Waterside 
report  no  school.  Glenhope,  while  a  point  in  connection  with  the  Fruit 
Hill  Church  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  D.  H.  Campbell,  had  a  flour- 
ishing Sabbath-school  for  several  years.  Yellow  Creek,  Hublersburg, 
Mann's  Choice,  and  Saxton  Churches  have  no  schools.  These  have  had 
flourishing  schools,  but  they  have  gone  down.  In  many  instances  their 
strength  has  been  carried  into  other  schools  and  churches.  It  is  not 
lost.  Oftentimes  the  centre  of  spiritual  life  and  light  changes  from  one 
place  to  another. 

In  looking  at  the  history  and  progress  of  the  Sabbath-schools  of  the 
Presbytery,  we  recognize  the  fact  that  this  Presbytery  has  been  alert  to 
its  duty  in  looking  after  the  Sabbath-school  interests  within  its  bounds. 
The  first  year  in  which  the  Presbytery  seems  to  have  called  for  Sabbath- 
school  statistics  seems  to  have  been  in  the  year  1855  ;  for  in  the  Assem- 
bly's Minutes  for  1856  we  iind  a  column  .set  apart  for  the  number  of 
"  children  in  Sabbath-school"  in  each  church.  In  that  year  the  following 
churches  reported, — viz.,  Moshannon  and  Snow  Shoe,  seventy ;  Lower 
Tuscarora,  six  hundred;  Williamsburg,  one  hundred  and  ten;  Altoona, 
ninety,  and  Waynesburg  and  Newton  Hamilton,  eighty;  or  si.x  churches 
reported  nine  hundred  and  fifty  children  in  Sabbath-school.  Almost 
two-thirds  of  these  came  from  the  pastoral  charge  of  Rev.  Dr.  G.  W. 
Thompson.  In  1857  twenty-one  churches  reported  two  thousand  six 
hundred  and  twenty-six  children  in  Sabbath-school.  In  i860  twenty- 
one  churches,  out  of  forty-four  in  all,  reported  three  thousand  two  hundred 
and  fifty-three  children  in  Sabbath-school.  In  1870  forty-two  churches 
out  of  fifty-five  reported  a  Sabbath-school  membership  of  si.x  thousand 
one  hundred  and  fifty-one.  At  first  they  were  asked  to  report  just  chil- 
dren. In  1867-69  they  were  asked  to  report  the  number  oi persons  in  the 
Sabbath-school.     Since  then  it  has  been  the  Sabbath-school  membership. 

It  was  not  until  in  the  Assembly  of  1882  that  it  was  recommended 
that  a  standing  committee  on  Sabbath-schools  be  appointed  in  each 
Presbytery  and  Synod  for  the  purpose  of  holding  Sabbath-school  insti- 
tutes,  stimulating   normal   classes,  guarding  against   the    intrusion   of 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  329 

outside  Lesson  Helps,  and  to  obtain  statistics  for  the  use  of  the  secretary 
of  tliis  department.  And  yet  years  before  this  the  Presbytery  of  Hunt- 
ingdon had  a  standing  committee  on  Sabbath- schools.  This  committee 
in  1874  was  composed  of  Revs.  S.  T.  Wylie,  chairman,  S.  T.  Wilson,  D.D., 
W.  J.  Chichester,  T.  J.  Sherrard,  and  H.  S.  Butler.  In  1876-78  this 
committee  was  Revs.  H.  S.  Butler,  chairman,  VV.  O.  Wright,  W.  J. 
Chichester,  and  T.  J.  Sherrard,  and  elders  A.  S.  Landis  and  D.  W.  Woods. 
In  1879  it  was  the  same,  with  the  addition  of  Rev.  Dr.  S.  T.  Wilson, 
who  was  made  chairman.  In  1880  Rev.  H.  S.  Butler  became  chairman 
again,  and  remained  as  such  until  his  removal  from  the  Presbytery  in 
February,  1884.  After  this  the  committee  was  again  reorganized,  and 
was  constituted  as  follows :  Revs.  D.  Conway,  chairman,  D.  K.  Free- 
man, D.D.,  A.  H.  Jolly,  and  elders  T.  A.  Appleby  and  Jonathan  Ham- 
ilton. Upon  the  removal  of  Rev.  D.  Conway  from  the  Presbytery,  and 
other  changes,  the  committee  was  reorganized  in  1889,  with  Rev.  D.  H. 
Campbell  chairman.  The  other  members  at  present  on  this  committee 
are  Revs.  W.  G.  Finney,  H.  F.  Means,  H.  C.  Baskerville,  William  H. 
Decker,  and  elders  T.  A.  Appleby  and  S.  S.  Blair.  The  Presbytery  has 
ever  given  prominence  to  this  work.  Years  ago  annual  conventions 
were  held,  and  were  successful.  But  on  account  of  so  man}'  conventions 
they  were  for  a  while  omitted.  It  has  been  customary  to  have  a  popular 
meeting  in  the  interest  of  Sabbath-schools  at  the  fall  meeting  of  Presby- 
tery. In  the  year  1893,  by  action  of  Presbytery,  the  Presbytery  was 
divided  into  two  districts, — the  eastern,  comprising  the  counties  of  Hunt- 
ingdon, Bedford,  Mifflin,  and  Juniata,  and  the  western,  comprising  the 
counties  of  Blair,  Centre,  and  Clearfield.  This  was  done  that  we  might 
more  conveniently  have  Sabbath-school  institutes  or  conventions  annu- 
ally. The  eastern  district  has  had  two  interesting  institutes, — one  at 
Petersburg  in  1893,  and  the  other  in  Mifflintown  in  June,  1S94.  The 
western  district  had  one  in  Tyrone  in  the  fall  of  1893. 

In  1880  the  membership  was  eight  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
eighty-five,  as  reported  by  fifty-nine  churches  out  of  sixty-seven,  which 
shows  a  growth  of  two  thousand  six  hundred  and  thirty-four  in  ten 
years.  At  the  present  time  there  are  eighty-nine  Sabbath-schools  in 
sixty-eight  churches,  having  twelve  hundred  and  ninety-two  ofificers  and 
teachers  and  nine  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy-nine  scholars, 
making  a  total  of  eleven  thousand  one  hundred  and  seventy-one ;  which 
makes  a  net  gain  in  membership  of  two  thousand  three  hundred  and 
eighty-six  in  fifteen  years,  or  a  gain  of  five  thousand  and  twenty  in 


330  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

twenty-five  years,  or  since  the  reunion  in  1870.     The  average  attendance 
is  seven  thousand  and  sixty-eight. 

In  closing  this  article  we  would  recognize  the  great  goodness  of  God 
to  us  in  this  branch  of  the  Lord's  work,  and  praise  him  for  the  degree  of 
prosperity  with  which  he  has  seen  fit  to  so  richly  bless  it. 


THE   WOMAN'S   FOREIGN   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 

MISS   CATHERINE   W.   STEWART. 

The  year  1834  will  ever  be  memorable  in  the  history  of  heathen 
women.  In  that  year  the  Rev.  Dr.  Abeel,  returning  to  England  from 
his  mission  in  China,  presented  their  claims  on  the  gifts,  labors,  and 
prayers  of  Christian  mothers  and  wives,  with  such  such  power  and  ten- 
derness that  eyes  were  opened  and  hearts  stirred  with  a  deep  sense  of 
personal  responsibility.  The  result  was  the  forming  of  the  "  Society  for 
promoting  Female  Education  in  the  East."  The  great  work  and  influ- 
ence of  that  society  is  an  enduring  monument  to  Dr.  Abeel. 

The  same  year,  before  congregations  in  New  York,  this  earnest  ad- 
vocate for  the  elevation  of  heathen  women  pictured  their  debased,  en- 
slaved condition,  secluded  and  veiled  by  their  cruel  customs,  for  which 
no  remedy  had  yet  been  suggested.  As  he  told  of  the  millions  im- 
prisoned in  harems  and  high-walled  zenanas,  which  seemed  as  if  they 
never  could  be  scaled,  it  was  indeed  a  revelation  to  his  hearers. 

Among  the  many  fired  with  enthusiasm  to  do  something  for  these 
oppressed  ones  was  Mrs.  T.  C.  Doremus,  of  New  York.  But  an  inde- 
pendent movement  at  that  time  was  not  deemed  wise  and  prudent  by 
leaders  of  the  mission  boards.  Twenty-si.x  years  later,  however,  this 
movement  was  made. 

Very  early  in  this  century  women's  foreign  missionary  societies 
existed  in  this  countrj',  and  many  churches  in  this  State  and  Presbytery 
had  such  associations.  But  "  women's  work  for  women" — viz.,  the 
sending  forth  of  female  missionaries  to  labor  among  the  secluded  women 
of  the  Orient — was  not  undertaken  until  i860.  Then  the  Woman's 
Union  Missionary  Society  sprang  into  existence,  with  Mrs.  T.  C.  Dore- 
mus as  its  president.     Zenana  work  among  the  w.omen  of  India  was  the 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  33 1 

marked    feature    of  tliis    new    society, — which    became    the   pioneer   of 
"  women's  work  for  women"  in  its  present  form  of  organization. 

Similar  organizations  soon  followed  in  the  different  evangelical  de- 
nominations. "  The  soil  seemed  wonderfully  prepared  for  this  novel  and 
untried  mission.  It  grew  apace,  and  soon  sent  out  its  branches,  till  now 
more  than  fifty  such  associations  have  sprung  up  the  world  over." 

A  few  "  elect  ladies"  in  Philadelphia,  whose  hearts  God  had  touched, 
so  that  they  could  no  longer  be  deaf  to  this  cry  for  help  which  had 
reached  America's  shores,  felt  that  an  organized  effort  must  be  made  by 
Presbyterian  women  for  this  specific  work  in  the  foreign  field.  After 
several  meetings  for  prayer  and  consultation,  the  Woman's  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  was  formally  organized  October  4,  1870.  The  ap- 
proval of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  was  then  secured.  The  General 
Assembly  in  May,  1871,  gave  its  hearty  sanction  to  the  work  undertaken 
by  this  society,  recognizing  the  hand  of  God  and  the  spirit  of  prayer 
and  consecration  in  the  whole  movement. 

The  society  then  sent  to  the  entire  church  an  appeal,  asking  "  the 
earnest  and  systematic  co-operation  of  Christian  women  and  children  in 
sending  and  supporting  female  missionaries  and  native  teachers  and 
Bible-readers  to  the  women  in  heathen  lands,  through  the  agency  of  the 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church."  The  response 
was  speedy  and  cordial  from  far  and  near,  and  at  the  first  annual  meeting, 
April,  1 87 1,  thirty-seven  au.xiliaries,  twenty-five  bands,  and  fifteen  mis- 
sionaries were  reported  as  under  the  care  of  the  Woman's  Foreign 
Missionary  Society.  Had  not  the  Good  Shepherd  gone  before  and 
moved  hearts  with  his  own  compassion,  so  that  they  were  ready  to 
follow  him  in  his  search  for  these  lost  ones? 

So  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago  this  little  mission  vessel  was  launched, 
and,  touching  at  the  ports  of  India,  China,  Japan,  Corea,  Siam,  Laos, 
Persia,  Syria,  Africa,  South  America,  and  Mexico,  it  has  left  precious 
freight  from  which  the  people  have  obtained  untold  blessings.  It  is 
now  one  of  the  seven  Woman's  Foreign  Mission  Boards  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church,  each  one  having  its  own  mission  and  missionaries,  and 
separate  head-quarters  in  New  York,  Albany,  Philadelphia,  Chicago,  St. 
Louis,  San  Francisco,  and  Portland.  Its  helpers,  in  auxiliaries,  bands, 
and  individuals,  are  found  in  Ohio,  Tennessee,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland, 
New  Jersey,  Virginia,  Florida,  and  the  District  of  Columbia.  Under  its 
care  are  one  hundred  and  fifty-si.x  missionaries,  and  one  hundred  and 
eighty-three  schools,  hospitals,  and  dispensaries. 


332  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

In  1 88 1  a  fund  was  established  to  aid  students  in  preparing  for 
medical  mission  work,  and  twenty-two  female  physicians  arc  now  in  the 
field  and  five  in  college.  No  part  of  "  women's  work  for  women"  is 
more  full  of  promise  and  interest  than  this.  The  power  of  relieving 
suffering  has  unlocked  many  a  fast-closed  door, — and  how  easy  then  to 
follow  with  the  greater  blessings  of  the  gospel ! 

In  March,  1872,  the  plan  was  adopted  of  having  Presbyterial  organi- 
zations. The  call  to  thus  unite  our  forces  and  deepen  and  widen  our 
influence  was  sent  forth  by  the  society  in  Philadelphia. 

There  was  no  response  to  this  call  from  individuals  and  auxiliaries 
in  Huntingdon  Presbytery  until  November  11,  1875,  when  a  meeting 
was  called  and  held  in  Lewistown,  and  eight  societies,  previously  formed 
in  the  different  congregations,  were  represented.  Then  and  there  the 
Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery  was 
regularly  organized  and  took  its  name  and  place,  entering  with  the  great 
company  of  women  the  "  open  door  set  before  them." 

The  first  annual  meeting  of  this  Presbyterial  Society  was  held  in 
Hollidaysburg,  March  31,  1876.  Fourteen  auxiliaries  were  there  repre- 
sented, and  eight  hundred  and  twelve  dollars  and  twenty  cents  reported 
as  cast  into  the  treasury.  At  the  twentieth  annual  meeting  in  March, 
1S95,  the  treasurer  reported  eighty-eight  contributing  organizations,  in- 
cluding some  Sabbath-schools  and  Christian  Endeavor  Societies,  and 
three  thousand  four  hundred  and  thirty-eight  dollars  and  forty-four  cents 
as  the  offering  for  i  S94,  the  total  amount  given  in  these  twenty  years 
being  sixty  thousand  three  hundred  and  eighty-four  dollars  and  sixty- 
four  cents. 

As  we  contrast  the  report  with  the  day  of  small  things,  as  at  the 
beginning,  we  must  .see  that  our  united  effort  has  had  the  divine  favor 
and  increase. 

Auxiliaries  and  bands  in  the  churches  compose  the  Presbyterial 
Society,  and  its  growth,  power,  and  influence  are  just  in  proportion  as 
these  are  kept  in  spiritual  health,  growing  in  zeal  and  missionary  knowl- 
edge, and  overflowing  with  tithes  and  offerings.  Helpful  to  this  end  are 
the  monthly  meetings  held  for  prayer  and  praise,  the  study  of  the  missions, 
and  the  bringing  of  willing  offerings.  And  the  publications  of  the  society 
— viz.,  Woman's  Work  for  Woman,  and  Over  Sea  and  Land,  with  the 
many  leaflets — are  full  of  the  information  needed  to  keep  the  heart 
aglow  with  zeal  and  interest  in  the  advancing  kingdom  of  Christ. 

Four  missionaries  are  assigned  to  the  care  of  this  Presbyterial  Society. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  333 

In  Japan,  India,  Persia,  and  South  America  they  are  holding  forth  the 
word  of  life.  Between  them  and  the  society  a  pleasant  and  profitable 
correspondence  is  carried  on.  Their  support  comes  first  from  the  amount 
given  each  year.  The  remainder  is  used  for  scholarships  in  mission 
schools  and  for  the  general  work  of  the  Board. 

The  Huntingdon  Presbyterial  Society  is  one  of  fifty-four  composing 
the  parent  society  in  Philadelphia.  In  all  its  great  and  increasing  work 
and  responsibility,  we  by  our  pledges  and  promises  are  co-workers,  part- 
ners, and  helpers  in  Christ  Jesus.  Each  year  the  call  comes  for  an  added 
sum  for  special  work.  There  has  always  been  a  willing  response,  so  that 
we  have  now  solid  investments  in  hospitals,  in  school  buildings,  and  in 
comfortable  homes  for  the  laborers  in  the  vineyard.  Streams  of  blessing 
are  flowing  from  them,  on  and  on  forever, — only  another  proof  that  "  It 
is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive." 

God  has  and  is  calling  his  redeemed  daughters  to  rescue  and  save 
these  millions  of  wives,  mothers,  and  children,  and  through  them  the  great 
heathen  world.  He  has  given  to  them  this  special  work  to  do  for  him, 
for  no  other  human  agency  can  do  it,  seeing  that  these  secluded,  impris- 
oned ones  cannot  share  in  the  public  means  of  grace. 

These  women  are  "  th'e  oppressed  ones,  who  have  no  comforter ;  on 
the  side  of  the  oppressor  is  power,  but  they  have  no  comforter."  "  He 
that  is  holy,  he  that  is  true,  he  that  hath  the  key,"  has  opened,  in  this  his 
own  good  time,  these  fast-closed  doors  and  hearts,  that  privileged  women 
may  enter  and  tell  of  him,  "  sent  to  heal  the  broken-hearted  and  preach 
deliverance  to  the  captives,"  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit  waiting  to  give  them 
a  name  and  a  place  among  the  children  of  "  the  God  and  Father  of  us 
all." 


THE   WOMAN'S   FOREIGN   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY   OF 
HUNTINGDON   PRESBYTERY. 

MRS.  N.  D.  ORBISON. 

The  annual  meeting  at  Altoona,  March  6  and  7,  1895,  of  the 
Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  in  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon, 
closed  two  decades  of  work. 

The  first  movement  to  form  such  a  society  was  at  the  suggestion  of 
Mrs.  J.  W.  White,  of  Milroy,  and   Miss   Harshberger,  afterwards  Mrs. 


334  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Butler,  in  September,  1S75.  Mrs.  White  says,  "  At  that  time  there  was 
special  interest  centring  in  Miss  Harshberger,  who  was  preparing  to  go 
to  China ;  and  it  occurred  to  me  that  it  might  be  utilized  towards  the 
desired  end  (a  Presbyterial  organization).  So  we  wrote  to  several  in- 
terested friends  on  the  subject,  Mrs.  D.  H.  Barron  and  Mrs.  David 
Wilson,  of  Port  Royal,  being  among  the  number.  The  replies  being 
encouraging,  we  forthwith  issued  a  call  for  a  meeting,  to  be  held  in  con- 
nection with  the  public  farewell  to  Miss  Harshberger,  in  our  church,  in- 
viting all  to  come  who  were  interested  in  either  object  of  the  meeting, 
and  sending  the  circulars  to  local  societies  and  other  congregations  through 
the  pastor  or  personal  friends,  at  least  aiming  in  this  way  to  reach  every 
congregation  in  the  Presbytery.  A  goodly  number  responded  to  the 
call,  but  we  soon  found  that  things  were  not  ripe  for  action.  At  the 
suggestion  of  the  Lewistown  ladies,  we  agreed  to  hold  a  meeting  later 
in  the  fall  at  that  place.  Prior  to  that  meeting,  two  of  the  Lewistown 
ladies,  Mrs.  Elder  and  Mrs.  Russell,  came  out  to  talk  the  matter  over 
with  me." 

On  November  16,  1876,  a  few  women  met  in  the  lecture- room  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  Lewistown,  to  consult  as  to  the  desirability  of 
forming  a  Presbyterial  organization.  Societies  had  been  formed  auxiliary 
to  the  Woman's  Board  in  Philadelphia,  and  delegates  from  eight  societies 
appeared  at  this  meeting.  Huntingdon,  HoUidaysburg,  Milroy,  Lewis- 
town,  Birmingham,  Port  Royal,  Arch  Spring,  Williamsburg,  Bcllefonte, 
and  Tyrone  were  represented.  Mrs.  Cunningham,  an  officer  of  the 
Woman's  Board  in  Philadelphia,  was  present  to  direct  and  encourage. 
The  report  for  1878  says,  "  A  few  changes  were  made  in  the  constitution 
to  suit  the  circum.stances;  chiefly  one  by  which  the  duties  of  the  presi- 
dent were  modified,  as  it  was  evident  that  in  so  large  a  district  she  could 
not  be  expected  to  visit  the  congregations  for  the  purpose  of  assisting 
to  establish  societies.  It  was  decided  that  this  duty  should  devolve  as 
much  as  possible  on  the  officers  of  societies  already  formed." 

Miss  Stewart,  reviewing  the  past  in  her  annual  letter  read  at  the 
twentieth  anniversary,  says,  "  We  tremblingly  undertook  this  Presby- 
terial work,  for  we  were  not  trained  soldiers  in  this  kind  of  public  war- 
fare,— not  a  bit  brave  were  we,  and  not  at  all  accomplished  in  parliamentary 
rules.  Not  all  of  us  were  ready  to  stand  up  for  Jesus,  in  prayer  and 
speaking,  and  to  say  from  our  hearts, — 

"  01),  use  nic,  Lord,  use  even  me. 
Just  as  thou  wilt,  and  when,  and  where." 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  335 

The  names  of  the  first  officers  may  be  of  interest :  Mrs.  White,  of 
Milroy,  was  chosen  president;  treasurer,  Mrs.  WiUiam  Russell,  of  Lewis- 
town,  since  entered  upon  her  heavenly  home;  recording  secretary,  Mrs. 
M.  H.  Wilson,  of  Bellefonte;  corresponding  secretary,  Miss  Annie  Ir- 
vine, of  Hollidaysburg  ;  and  seven  vice-presidents. 

The  first  annual  meeting  of  the  society  was  held  in  Hollidaysburg, 
March  31,  1877.  Delegates  from  twenty-five  auxiliaries  and  six  bands 
showed  that  we  were  not  going  to  stand  still.  Miss  Annie  Irvine  sent 
her  resignation,  and  for  the  present  the  offices  of  recording  and  corre- 
sponding secretaries  were  combined,  Mrs.  M.  H.  Wilson  bearing  the 
burden  and  honor.  Since  then  the  meetings  have  been  held  in  the  fol- 
lowing places  and  order:  Mifflin,  1S78;  Huntingdon,  1879;  Altoona, 
Second  Presbyterian  Church,  1880;  Tyrone,  18S1  ;  Lewistown,  1882; 
Port  Royal,  1SS3;  Clearfield,  1884;  Altoona,  First  Presbyterian  Church 
1885;  Holhdaysburg,  1886;  Bellefonte,  1887;  Mifflin,  1888;  Altoona, 
Second  Presbyterian  Church,  1889;  Huntingdon,  1890;  Tyrone,  1891 ; 
Lewistown,  1892;  Philipsburg,  1893;  Bedford,  1894;  now,  for  the  third 
time,  in  Altoona,  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  1895. 

At  the  fourth  annual  meeting,  in  Huntingdon,  the  time  of  meeting 
was  changed  from  the  last' week  to  the  first  week  in  March.  Miss  C.  W. 
Stewart  was  then  elected  corresponding  secretary. 

In  1883,  at  Port  Royal,  Mrs.  Russell  resigned  as  treasurer,  and  Mrs. 
William  Dorris  was  chosen  to  fill  her  place. 

In  1888,  at  Mifflin,  Mrs.  Wilson,  as  recording  secretary,  gave,  for  the 
first  time,  a  condensed  report  of  auxiliaries  and  bands,  which  all  regarded 
as  a  great  improvement  upon  the  old  way. 

Our  last  annual  meeting  was  held  in  the  pleasant,  pretty  town  of 
Bedford,  June  7  and  8,  1894.  Mrs.  Orbison,  our  president  since  1876, 
then  sent  her  resignation,  and  Miss  S.  R.  Lowrie  was  chosen  in  her 
place.  Mrs.  Dorris,  our  treasurer  since  1883,  resigned,  and  Miss  S.  D. 
Morrow,  of  Tyrone,  was  chosen  to  fill  the  office.  Miss  Sommerville 
was  elected  secretary  of  literature  in  place  of  Mi.ss  S.  R.  Lowrie. 

At  these  different  meetings  we  have  had  the  inspiring  presence  and 
words  of  missionaries  from  India,  China,  Japan,  Persia,  and  Laos.  Dr. 
Ellinwood,  Dr.  Irving,  Dr.  Gillespie,  Mr.  R.  E.  Speer,  and  Dr.  Mitchell 
(since  rested  from  his  labors),  all  connected  with  our  Foreign  Board, 
have  been  present  and  helped  and  cheered  us  greatly.  Likewise 
pastors  of  some  of  our  churches  have  addressed  our  meetings  and 
helped  us  onward, — viz..  Dr.  HoUifield,  Dr.  Barron,  Dr.  Duffield,  Rev. 


336  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Hays,  and  Dr.  Wilson.     The  three  latter  have  since  "  fallen  asleep  in 
Jesus." 

These  meetings  have  been  fruitful  in  many  blessings.  We  have  been 
brought  to  know  intimately  and  appreciate  many  "  Daughters  of  the 
King"  in  all  our  churches,  to  whom  we  were  once  perfect  strangers,  and 
to  be  helpful  to  each  other  in  "  the  King's  business."  We  have  been 
brought  into  deeper  sympathy  with  the  far-distant  laborers  and  their 
work,  as  at  almost  every  meeting  we  have  met  so  many  face  to  face,  and 
have  heard  them  plead  tenderly  for  the  spot  where  they  lift  up  the  stand- 
ard of  the  cross.  Sacred,  pleasant  memories  are  now  connected  with 
those  places  of  meeting,  and  we  have  learned  to  pray  for  all  our  churches 
as  we  never  did  before. 

The  amount  given  in  these  years,  including  regular  monthly  pledges, 
thank-offerings  for  special  objects,  and  some  legacies,  has  been  fifty-six 
thousand  nine  hundred  and  forty-seven  dollars  and  fifteen  cents.  The 
treasurer  reports  for  the  past  year  (including  the  silver  offering  of  five 
hundred  and  fifty-eight  dollars  and  eighty-three  cents)  three  thousand 
four  hundred  and  thirty-eight  dollars  and  forty-nine  cents,  which  makes 
the  sum  total,  at  this  our  twentieth  annual  meeting,  sixty  thousand  three 
hundred  and  eighty-five  dollars  and  sixty-four  cents.  Not  to  boast  do 
we  make  this  record,  but  to  call  forth  praise  to  our  Father  in  heaven, 
who  gave  us  the  power  and  willingness  to  consecrate  this  money  to  his 
service,  and  to  move  us  to  earnest  prayer  that  the  divine  increase  may 
follow  on  and  on  forever,  thus  giving  glory  to  our  Redeemer  and  joy  to 
his  heart  in  souls  saved  "  out  of  every  kindred  and  tongue  and  people 
and  nation." 

But  when  we  go  back  to  search  for  the  very  beginning  of  this  society, 
we  find  that  God  had  been  working  in  the  hearts  of  Christian  women  in 
quiet  places,  and  stirring  them  up  to  thought  and  prayer.  One  of  the 
most  devoted  friends  of  missions.  Miss  Susan  Campbell,  of  Arch  Spring, 
had  been  an  invalid  for  many  years,  unable  to  leave  her  couch.  But 
from  her  quiet  chamber  went  up  prayers  day  and  night  for  missions  and 
missionaries.  Making  herself  acquainted  with  the  names  of  all  our 
workers  in  heathen  lands,  she  brought  them  in  prayer  constantly  to  God. 
It  was  to  her  that  the  thought  came,  "  Would  that  the  women  of  our 
whole  Presbytery  might  band  together  to  work  and  pray  for  mis- 
sions." 

She  herself  relates,  in  reply  to  a  letter  asking  for  information,  "  I  do 
not  know  that  I  had  any  direct  influence  in  forming  our  Woman's  Presby- 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  337 

terial  Foreign  Missionaiy  Society.  Memory  runs  back  to  the  '70's  and 
'6o's,  when  I  lay,  an  almost  helpless  invalid,  on  a  cot  in  a  corner  of  the 
room  in  which  I  now  write.  How  the  infinite  Redeemer  upheld  with 
his  e\erlasting  arms,  and  drew  out  my  inmost  soul  in  stated  pleadings 
that  he  might,  throughout  this  wide,  wide  world,  '  see  of  the  travail  of 
his  soul  and  be  satisfied,'  was  set  forth  in  two  articles  from  my  cot,  '  My 
Missionary  Day,'  and  '  How  I  Became  Interested  in  Foreign  Missions,' 
which  were  published  by  the  mother  society  of  Philadelphia,  copied  into 
missionary  magazines,  and  widely  circulated.  These  articles,  I  believe, 
impressed  many,  who  long  since  have  forgotten  how  their  first  drawings 
were  induced. 

"  Fully  one  year  prior  to  the  formation  of  our  Presbyterial  society  in 
1S75,  I  addressed  a  few  lines  on  the  subject  to  the  societies  of  Hunting- 
don, Bellefonte,  and  Lewistown.  What  influence  these  letters  may  have 
had  in  forming  the  society  I  do  not  now  recall.  Most  likely  God  moved 
the  hearts  of  several  ladies  in  the  Presbytery  simultaneously,  and  so  the 
society  was  organized.  I  recall  my  thrill  of  joy  when,  in  the  autumn  of 
1875,  an  item  in  the  Presbyterian  told  of  the  ladies  of  Philadelphia  moving 
in  world-wide  evangelization,  taking  women  of  dark  heathen  lands  for 
their  special  work.  How  eagerly  I  watched  for  the  issue  of  the  first 
copy  of  Woman's  Work  for  Woman !  Have  read  it  prayerfully  from 
cover  to  cover  ever  since.  Its  issue  of  my  article,  '  My  Missionary  Day,' 
suggested,  so  the  late  Mrs.  Haines  wrote  me,  the  Sabbath  evening  con- 
cert of  prayer." 

Women  had  their  missionary  societies  in  all  the  years  of  the  past. 
Meeting  weekly,  they  sewed  and  prayed,  a  few  of  the  faithful  ones  always  ; 
and  we  may  believe  that  in  the  book  of  God's  remembrance  their  self- 
denying  gifts  and  prayers  are  written,  accepted,  and  never  forgotten, — 
prayers  perhaps  answered  in  these  latter  years,  when  in  God's  providence 
the  nations  that  have  so  long  sat  in  darkness  begin  to  see  the  light.  But, 
in  this  day  of  quickened  intelligence  and  improved  methods,  women 
have  been  found  ready  to  welcome  the  new  plans, — the  monthly  meeting, 
regular  contributions,  and  missionary  literature  so  full  of  interest.  And 
the  result  shows  a  vastly  increased  scale  of  giving  and  working. 

All  honor  to  the  faithful  bands  in  our  older  churches  which  for  so 
many  years  have  labored  and  prayed,  and  from  which  often  have  come 
gifts  for  missions  that  put  to  shame  the  regular  church  contributions. 
For  example,  a  mere  handful  of  devoted  women  in  the  Pine  Grove 
Church,  a  small  and  by  no  means  rich  congregation,  have  sent  their 


338  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

yearly  gift,  a  large  sum  proportionate!)-,  the  money  earned  for  the  most 
part  by  the  labor  of  their  hands. 

When  a  Presbyterial  society  came  to  be  formed,  the  difficulties  expe- 
rienced may  be  more  easily  understood  if  we  remember  that  at  that  time 
the  ability  and  fitness  of  women  for  such  affairs  had  not  been  proved 
nor  even  thought  of.  Presbyterian  women  had  been  too  well  instructed 
in  Bible  teaching  to  desire  to  undertake  work  which  might  lead  them 
away  from  the  already  full  and  wide  field  of  usefulness  so  plainly  laid 
out  for  them  by  Infinite  Wisdom ;  they  must  be  well  convinced  that,  in 
attempting  "  woman's  work  for  woman"  in  dark  heathen  lands,  they 
were  in  sympathy  with  their  Lord  and  Master.  Then,  too,  the  organizing 
and  conducting  public  meetings  with  the  help  of  parliamentary  rules 
was  no  light  task  to  those  wholly  untrained  in  such  matters.  But,  going 
on,  simply  trusting  the  Divine  Helper,  and  endeavoring  to  carry  out  his 
commands  in  his  own  way,  the  weak  were  made  strong  and  the  ignorant 
instructed.  Resisting  the  strong  current  felt  at  one  time  towards  break- 
ing away  from  old  boundaries  to  give  our  own  interpretation  to  Bible 
teaching,  the  women  of  this  Presbytery  have  aimed  to  carry  on  their 
meetings  and  all  their  work  according  to  the  wholesome  and  decent  order 
of  our  own  church,  and  at  this  day  see  no  cause  to  regret  such  a  stand. 

Twenty  years  have  seen  remarkable  answers  to  the  volume  of  united 
prayer  offered  monthly,  weekly,  and  daily  by  Christian  women  for  the 
conversion  of  the  world  and  for  the  sending  forth  laborers  into  the  har- 
vest. Highways  into  the  great  heathen  world  have  been  opening  and  an 
increasing  number  of  workers  raised  up.  From  our  own  Presbytery 
have  gone  Rev.  G.  A.  and  Mrs.  Landis,  to  South  America ;  to  India,  Rev. 
J.  H.  Orbison,  M.D.,  and  his  sister.  Miss  Pendleton,  Rev.  J.  M.  Goheen 
and  Mrs.  Goheen,  Miss  McGinness  and  Miss  Bird,  now  Mrs.  Henry 
Forman ;  to  China,  Mrs.  John  Butler  and  Miss  Cunningham ;  to  Japan, 
Miss  Emma  Hays,  for  a  time.  Mr.  Robert  E.  Speer,  secretary  of  the 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  is  a  son  of  the 
Presbytery. 

Besides  the  money  sent  by  the  Presbyterial  Society  to  the  general 
fund  yearly,  three  or  four  lady  missionaries  have  been  supported, — at 
the  present  time,  Miss  Porter  in  Japan,  Mrs.  Henry  Forman  in  India, 
Mrs.  Landis  in  South  America,  and  Mrs.  Vanneman  in  Persia. 

A  glance  backward  over  these  twenty  years  will  reveal  the  same  little 
band  of  united,  congenial  fellow-workers,  who  have  served  as  officers 
from  the  beginning:  Miss  C.  W.  Stewart,  Mrs.  W.   H.   Woods,  Mrs. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  339 

Dorris,  Miss  Annie  Irvine,  Mrs.  Barron,  Mrs.  M.  H.  Wilson,  Mrs.  Ross, 
Mrs.  Orbison,  with  later  acquisitions.  But  we  miss  the  sweet,  gentle, 
capable  face  of  Mrs.  Russell,  treasurer  for  so  long.  And  of  those  who 
loved  the  cause  we  treasure  the  memory  of  Mrs.  Goheen,  Miss  Maggie 
Kelly,  and  her  sister,  Mrs.  Graham,  Mrs.  Charlotte  Irvine,  and  Mrs. 
Walker  Woods. 

In  Miss  Stewart's  letter  for  1895  she  says,  "Each  year  brings  to  us 
from  our  parent  society  calls  to  aid  in  some  special  work  or  building. 
The  societies  and  bands  who  have  answered  these  calls,  even  by  small 
sums,  have  now  solid  investments  in  mission  homes,  schools,  hospitals, 
and  churches  in  Persia,  Africa,  San  Francisco,  India,  Lakason  in  Siam, 
China,  and  Japan.  All  these  buildings  are  light-houses  amid  the  sur- 
rounding gloom,  sending  their  beams  far  and  wide,  and  calling  to  every 
passer-by,  '  Come  to  the  Light ;  it  is  shining  for  thee.'  " 


WOMAN'S  HOME  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  OF  TFIE 
PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 

President. — Miss  Annie  M.  Irvine,  Hollidaysburg,  Pennsylvania. 

Mcc-Prcsidents. — Mrs.  Wm.  Dorris,  Huntingdon,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs. 
Robert  McMeen,  Mifflintown,  Pennsylvania  ;  Mrs.  John  Russell,  Philips- 
burg,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  Wm.  McClay,  Belleville,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs. 
W.  H.  Schuyler,  Everett,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  D.  H.  Campbell,  Mount 
Union,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  Lucy  Thompson,  Spruce  Creek,  Pennsyl- 
vania; Mrs.  J.  W.  Bain,  Altoona,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  R.  A.  McKinley, 
Clearfield,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  H.  L.  Book,  Waterloo,  Pennsylvania; 
Miss  S.  D.  Morrow,  Tyrone,  Pennsylvania;  Miss  Mira  Humes,  Belle- 
fonte,  Pennsylvania ;  Mrs.  E.  F.  Johnston,  Vice-President  at  Large. 

Vice-President  for  Bands. — Mrs.  A.  S.  Landis,  Hollidaysburg,  Penn- 
sylvania. 

Recording  Secretary. — Mrs.  A.  M.  Laporte,  Tyrone,  Pennsylvania. 

Corresponding  Secretary. — Mrs.  W.  B.  Miller,  Altoona,  Pennsylvania. 

Secretaries  for  Freedmen. — Mrs.  D.  K.  Freeman  and  Mrs.  H.  G. 
Fisher,  Huntingdon,  Pennsylvania. 

Secretary  for  Sabbath-Schools. — Mrs.  M.  W.  Thompson,  Altoona, 
Pennsylvania. 


340  ■  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Secretary  for  Literature. — Airs.  J.  A.  Knight,  Lewistown,  Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Treasurer. — Mrs.  J.  M.  Bailey,  Third  and  Penn  Streets,  Huntingdon, 
Pennsylvania, 


WOMAN'S  WORK  IN  HOME  MISSIONS. 

BY  MRS.  JULI.\  A.  DORRIS. 
"  Go  up  and  possess  the  land  which  I  have  given  you." 

Home  missions,  as  carried  on  in  the  present  day,  would  Jiave  been, 
to  the  churches  organized  in  this  Presbytery  early  in  the  present  cen- 
tury, a  veritable  foreign  zuork,  for  in  the  midst  of  the  wilderness  as  they 
themselves  were,  separated  by  long  distances,  and  amid  the  incon- 
veniences of  a  country  but  partially  opened,  their  main  efforts  were 
necessarily  directed  towards  self-support ;  but  as  they  grew  stronger, 
while  still  struggling  for  their  own  maintenance,  they  reached  out  help- 
ing hands  to  the  feebler  churches  in  their  vicinity,  or  throughout  the 
Presbj'tery,  that  needed  aid. 

The  mission  of  the  church  of  Christ,  however,  is  "  to  minister,  and 
not  to  be  ministered  unto,"  and  therefore  we  soon  find  these  congre- 
gations obeying  the  injunction  of  the  General  Assembh',  which  at  its 
first  meeting,  in  1789,  unanimously  resolved  "To  send  forth  mission- 
aries, well  qualified,  to  be  employed  in  mission  work  on  our  frontiers,  for 
the  purpose  of  organizing  churches,  administering  ordinances,  ordaining 
elders,  collecting  information  concerning  the  state  of  religion  in  those 
parts,  and  proposing  the  best  means  of  establishing  a  gospel  ministry 
among  the  people.  And  in  order  to  provide  means  for  defrajing  the 
necessary  e.xpenses  of  the  mission,  it  is  strictly  enjoined  on  the  several 
Presbyteries  to  have  collections  made  during  the  present  year,  in  the 
several  congregations  under  our  care,  and  forwarded  to  Isaac  Snowden, 
Esq.,  Treasurer  of  the  General  Assembly,  with  all  convenient  speed." 

The  collection  amounted  to  eighty  pounds  twelve  shillings  and  ten- 
pence.  The  usual  salary  allowed  a  missionary  was  four  hundred  dollars 
per  annum,  and  in  a  single  instance  fifty  dollars  was  granted  to  a  Rev. 
Mr.  Ker,  for  the  loss  of  his  horse  on  a  missionary  tour  in  the  frontier 
parts  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania.     "  Their  salaries  were  small,  their 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  34I 

difficulties  and  dangers  great,  their  labors  and  trials  abundant ;  but  what- 
ever there  is  of  public  taste,  culture,  and  conscience  in  the  nation  to- 
day, and  love  of  order  and  law,  is  chiefly  due  to  the  self-denying  toils  of 
these  home  missionary  workers." 

It  is  not  the  province  of  this  article  to  trace  the  work  of  home 
missions,  as  conducted,  first  by  the  original  Presbytery,  then  by  the  old 
Synod,  followed  by  the  General  Assembly  organized  in  17S9,  then  by  the 
"Committee  of  Missions"  from  1802,  and  by  "The  Board  of  Missions," 
from  1816,  together  with  the  "Presbyterian  Committee  of  Home 
Missions,"  organized  in  1861,  and  since  the  Reunion  of  1870,  by  "The 
Board  of  Home  Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America ;"  but  to  gather  up  as  far  as  it  can  be  done  the  part 
taken  by  the  ivoincn  of  the  church  in  this  important  department  of  its 
work. 

We  know  that  they  stood  side  by  side  with  the  fathers,  brothers,  and 
husbands  of  those  early  days,  counselling,  aiding,  and  encouraging  them 
in  their  trials  and  privations,  sharing  their  joys  and  sorrows ;  but  their 
work  was  so  identified  with  that  of  the  men,  in  upbuilding  their  own 
places  of  worship  and  spreading  the  gospel  of  salvation  to  others,  that 
no  records  have  been  kept  of  their  distinctive  share  in  it. 

The  history,  then,  cannot  be  otherwise  than  fragmentary,  as  collected 
from  the  lips  of  those  who  have  heard  it  from  the  mothers  and  grand- 
mothers of  past  generations,  and,  except  in  a  few  instances,  the  dates  are 
uncertain,  until  we  come  to  the  organized  work  of  the  present  day, 
which  it  has  been  deemed  best  to  record  in  this  memorial  volume,  that 
there  maybe  no  future  uncertainty  as  to  events  and  dates,  and  especially 
as  to  the  causes  and  influences  that  led  up  to  this  new  and  enlarged  form 
of  work. 

The  trials  and  privations  of  the  missionary  on  the  frontier,  as  it  was 
then  called,  although  often  within  their  own  bounds,  have  ever  appealed 
to  the  feminine  heart,  so  the  sewing  societies  of  the  church,  founded  by 
Dorcas,  while  making  "  coats  and  garments"  for  the  poor  at  their  doors, 
met  also  at  the  homes  of  the  members  to  make  quilts,  comfortables  and 
clothing  to  fill  boxes  for  the  "  domestic  missionary,"  to  eke  out  the 
slender  pittance  which  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions  granted  for  his 
self-denying  and  laborious  work. 

As  the  members  of  the  congregations  prospered  and  increased  in 
worldly  goods,  the  log  "  meeting-houses"  were  displaced  for  more  pre- 
tentious houses  of  worship,  and  here  again  the  hands  and  needles  of  the 


342  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

women  were  busied  in  preparing  fancy  and  useful  articles  for  sale  in  fairs 
and  bazaars,  for  providing  carpets  and  pulpit  furniture,  or  Venetian 
blinds,  for  the  edifice,  and  sometimes  for  a  steeple  or  bell,  according  to 
their  wealth  or  ambition. 

Female  Bible,  Tract,  and  Missionary  Societies  were  formed,  and  where 
the  records  have  been  preserved  we  find  men,  as  well  as  women,  named 
as  contributors,  which  it  would  not  be  amiss  for  the  churches  of  our  day 
to  adopt,  for,  quoting  Mrs.  C.  E.  Walker,  who  was  Secretary  of  the 
Woman's  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  "  We  do  not  want 
the  work  to  be  largely  woman's  but  Christian  work  ;  men  and  women 
equally  bearing  their  own  share  in  it." 

Mrs.  J.  C.  Barr,  who  was  Miss  Eliza  Cresswell,  of  Alexandria,  speak- 
ing of  the  early  work  in  that  church,  writes  recently,  "  I  have  a  book  of 
Grandmother  Gemmill's,  who  was  Treasurer  of  a  Missionary  Society, 
which  I  have  been  told  was  a  Foreign  Society,  dating  from  1825  to  1835. 
The  yearly  subscription  \Vas  fifty  cents.  Among  the  names  of  regular 
contributors  I  find  Mrs.  Peebles,  Mrs.  Dorris,  Mary  Allison,  Mary  Dor- 
sey,  Ellen  Dorsey,  all  paid  up  to  183 1.  The  following  names  grouped 
together,  marked  paid,  in  1828,  I  infer  may  all  be  Huntingdon  people: 
Benjamin  Miller,  Mrs.  Martha  McConnell,  John  Peebles,  Eliza  Hender- 
son, Mar)'  Allison,  James  M.  Bell,  Eleanor  Orbison,  Benjamin  Morgan. 
In  this  group  the  first  and  last  named  each  contributed  one  dollar.  The 
regular  contributors  seem  to  have  ceased  in  1838,  and  probably  a  society 
was  organized  in  Huntingdon  about  that  time.  In  1849  a  Female  Bible 
Society  was  organized  in  the  Church  of  Alexandria,  which  did  efficient 
work  for  several  years.  Petersburg  and  Shaver's  Creek  were  included  in 
the  bounds  of  the  Alexandria  Church  in  the  early  days,  and  some  of  the 
families  contributed  through  that  society.  I  do  not  think  as  churches 
they  did  anything  in  their  own  bounds." 

The  names  given  by  Mrs.  Barr  were  all  members  of  the  Huntingdon 
congregation,  and  from  the  recollections  of  some  of  the  older  ladies  of 
that  church,  which  were  noted  down  in  1880  by  the  members  of  the 
Synodical  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  the  date  of  the  Missionary 
Society  there  was  fi.xed  at  about  1825,  when  the  Rev.  John  Peebles  be- 
came the  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Huntingdon  and  Hart's  Log,  and 
boxes  for  missionaries  were  made  up  and  packed  at  his  house;  "his  car- 
pets it  is  said  being  almost  worn  out  by  these  frequent  gatherings  of 
women."  One  of  these  ladies,  Mrs.  William  P.  Orbison,  remembered 
well  that  the  society  of  which  her  elder  sister  was  a  member  helped  to 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  343 

sustain  missionaries  in  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery,  and  she  herself 
while  visiting  a  married  sister  residing  in  Alexandria  became  a  member 
there  of  the  little  girls'  society  that  educated  two  Indian  boys,  to  whom 
they  were  allowed  to  give  English  names.  Mrs.  William  McMurtrie,  one 
of  the  older  members  of  the  Huntingdon  Church,  a  grand-daughter  of 
John  Whittaker,  an  elder  of  the  early  days,  has  in  her  possession  a  sub- 
scription book  of  1833,  from  which  the  following  pledge  is  copied: 

"  We  the  undersigned,  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  importance  of  the 
general  diffusion  of  gospel  light,  do  engage  to  pay  annually,  so  long  as 
we  shall  conceive  it  to  be  our  duty,  the  sum  respectively  annexed  to  our 
names,  for  the  support  of  Mr.  William  Reed  (or  such  other  individual  as 
the  Huntingdon  Presbytery  shall  choose)  as  a  missionary  among  the 
heathen."  John  Peebles  leads  the  list  of  subscribers,  and  of  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty-one  signatures,  eighty-three  are  women  (one  being  the 
old  colored  janitress,  Mary  Gibson,  twenty-five  cents);  and  one  subscrip- 
tion, "  The  Female  Benevolent  Society,"  five  dollars ;  "  A  widow's  mite," 
twelve  and  one-half  cents;.  "A  female  to  missions,"  two  dollars  and 
ninety-six  cents ;  the  whole  amounting  to  something  over  ninety  dollars, 
for  the  year  1833.  In  1835  the  entries  cease,  and  whether  the  sub- 
scribers no  longer  "  conceiVed  it  to  be  their  duty"  to  continue  their  gifts, 
or  if  the  collector  failed  to  record  them,  is  not  stated.  (Rev.  William 
Reed  was  one  of  three  young  men  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Huntingdon,  and  reared  within  its  bounds,  who  offered  themselves  as 
foreign  missionaries, — Reed,  Fleming,  and  Hope.  Mr.  Fleming  was 
ordained  as  a  missionary  among  the  "  Creek  Indians,  West  of  the  Missis- 
sippi," under  the  care  of  the  American  Board.  Mr.  Reed  was  appointed 
to  Northern  India  from  the  Presbytery,  one  of  the  first  missionaries 
under  the  care  of  the  Western  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  but  died  in 
the  first  year  of  his  missionary  labors,  1835.*) 

Of  the  Bellefonte  Church,  Mrs.  William  P.  Wilson,  daughter  of  Rev. 
James  Linn,  pastor  of  the  church,  says,  "In  1S21  we  find  a  record  of 
seventeen  dollars  and  fifty  cents  given  by  '  The  Woman's  Missionary  So- 
ciety,' through  Mrs.  Eliza  Dobbins.  In  later  times  the  interest  has  been 
kept  up  by  sewing  societies,  packing  of  boxes,  etc.  Before  the  organi- 
zation of  our  Home  Missionary  Society,  we  for  many  years  devoted  a 
month  in  the  fall  to  packing  a  'box.'  These  boxes  were  always  valuable, 
sometimes  amounting  to  between  two  and  three  hundred  dollars." 

*  Gibson's  "  History  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,"  pages  101-2,  1 12,  1 14. 


344  7W£   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

Miss  Annie  Irvine,  of  Hollidaysburg,  daughter  of  Mrs.  Charlotte 
Irvine,  one  of  the  earnest  workers  in  the  missionary  work  of  that 
church,  writes,  "  The  first  home  mission  work  done  here  by  the  women, 
as  far  as  I  can  learn,  was  a  box  sent  to  Dr.  Speer,  at  Hudson,  Wisconsin, 
in  1 86 1,  and  there  has  been  one  sent  every  year  since." 

These  are  a  few  instances  of  work  such  as  was  done  doubtless  in 
other  churches  of  the  Presbytery,  as  we  know  in  the  latter  days  many 
even  of  the  weaker  churches,  as  Pine  Grove,  Bald  Eagle,  Shade  Gap,  etc., 
contributed  help  in  this  way  towards  making  the  families  of  "  the  do- 
mestic missionary"  more  comfortable ;  and  if  a  thorough  canvas  could 
be  made,  many  facts  in  regard  to  it  might  be  gleaned  that  would  be 
worthy  of  record.  As  far  as  we  have  knowledge,  the  men,  too,  responded 
to  the  appeals  of  the  women,  and  contributed  generously  to  the  "  box" 
work. 

The  aid  given,  even  in  this  desultory  way,  was  appreciated,  and  grate- 
fully acknowledged  by  the  Home  Mission  Board  and  the  General 
Assembly,  but  with  the  changed  condition  of  affairs,  as  the  country 
developed,  through  immigration  and  the  railroads  opening  up  the  great 
West,  more  means  and  new  methods  of  administration  became  impera- 
tive. This  vast  army  that  landed  annually  upon  our  shores,  bringing 
with  them  "foreign  faiths  and  customs,"  must  be  met  not  only  with  the 
preacher  of  the  gospel,  but  by  the  missionary  teacher  and  the  Christian 
school,  that  they  might  thus  be  able  to  reach  the  children,  and  through 
them  the  parents.  Trans-continental  railways  had  brought  within  reach 
the  Mexicans  and  Alaskans,  that  had  come  to  us  with  newly  acquired 
territory,  and  they,  with  the  Mormons  and  Indians  and  Mountain  whites 
of  the  South,  the  missionaries  found  could  not  be  influenced  by  the  simple 
preaching  of  the  word,  and  asked  for  teachers  and  schools  to  prepare  the 
way  before  them,  as  they  could  penetrate  where  the  minister  was  barred  out 
by  the  prejudice  of  the  people.  The  women  of  the  church  were,  therefore, 
called  upon  by  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  and  the  General  Assembly 
"to  take  up  the  school  work,  and  act  as  pioneers  to  our  regular  home 
missionaries;"  the  General  Assembly  of  1875  expressing  "its  clear 
judgment  that  home  evangelization  and  the  conversion  of  the  heathen 
are  one  and  the  same  work  in  the  Lord,  and  therefore  to  be  alike 
aided  and  promoted  by  all  the  godly  women  of  the  church  of  Christ;" 
and  hoped  "that  the  women  of  the  church  would  add  to  their  work  of 
supplying  missionaries  with  boxes  the  supplying  of  these  different  classes 
of  people  with  schools  and  teachers." 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  345 

They  also  "  recommended  a  central  organization  to  be  exclusively 
devoted  to  woman's  work  for  home  missions,  and  the  Assembly  of  1876 
authorized  the  Synods  to  appoint  committees  of  women  to  co-operate 
with  the  Home  Board  in  bringing  this  about." 

"  In  response  to  this  advice  the  Synod  of  Pittsburg  appointed  such 
a  committee,  consisting  of  one  lady  for  each  Presbytery.  The  other 
Synods  referred  to  the  Assembly's  recommendation,  but  took  no  action." 
The  brethren  were  not  sure  it  was  wise  to  commit  such  trusts  to  women's 
hands,  and,  moreover,  did  not  know  whom  to  appoint,  and  so  did 
nothing. 

In  1878  the  General  Assembly  recommended,  "That  pastors.  Pres- 
byteries, and  Synods  make  special  effort  to  present  to  the  women  of 
our  church,  by  sermons  or  otherwise,  the  principles  and  history  of 
these  organizations,  and  that  effort  be  made  to  secure  harmony  of 
method,"  etc.  They  also  recommended  "  that  the  committees  on  home 
missions  in  their  respective  Presbyteries  and  Synods  be  instructed  to 
promote  by  all  means  in  their  power  this  work  of  the  women  in  its 
home  mission  cause."  As  early  as  the  fall  of  1875  the  Synod  of 
Harrisburg  recommended  ",to  the  Presbyteries  and  churches  that  they 
encourage  the  formation  of  women's  home  missionary  societies,  and 
that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  nominate  annually  a  committee  of 
ladies  to  take  charge  of  the  preliminary  organization,"  but  Synod  ad- 
journed without  appointing  such  committee.  '"  Although  this  action 
was  taken  in  1875,  and  reiterated  in  much  the  same  terms  in  1876,  yet 
no  appointment  of  ladies  was  made  until  1878,  when  the  Presbytery 
of  Carlisle  appointed  two  to  be  their  part  of  a  synodical  committee." 

The  next  year,  1879,  the  Synod  of  Harrisburg  appointed  a  full  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  two  ladies  from  each  of  its  four  Presbyteries  (Carlisle, 
Huntingdon,  Northumberland,  and  Wellsboro').  The  Synod  of  Erie  also 
appointed  its  committee  this  year  (1S79),  and  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia 
followed  their  example  the  next  year,  so  that  in  1880  there  was  a  com- 
plete organization  throughout  the  State  of  Pennsylvania. 

The  work  done  by  the  women  of  the  North  in  connection  with  the 
Christian  and  Sanitary  Commissions  during  our  civil  war  had  developed 
much  latent  talent,  and  demonstrated  the  advantage  of  systematic  effort, 
and  also  their  ability  in  organizing  and  managing  Soldiers'  Aid  and 
other  societies,  to  meet  the  requirements  of  those  times,  and  so  there 
were  women  being  trained  and  fitted  to  act  in  the  emergencies  of  the 
church  as  well  as  the  state. 


346  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

"  The  Ladies'  Board  of  Missions  of  New  York"  had  been  at  work 
for  several  years,  both  for  home  and  foreign  missions,  having  entered 
New  Mexico  with  the  first  missionary  of  our  church  in  1866;  "The 
Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Presbyterian  Church"  had 
been  working  since  1870,  drawing  its  leaders  largely  from  those  women 
who  were  interested  in  the  home  work,  many  of  whom  had  been  con- 
tributing to  foreign  missions  through  the  channels  of  "  The  Woman's 
Union  Missionary  Society,"  founded  by  Mrs.  Doremus. 

Presbyterian  women,  having  been  educated  according  to  a  strict  and 
literal  interpretation  of  Paul  as  to  their  "  keeping  silence"  in  the  churches, 
were  slow  to  take  any  steps  that  would  lay  them  open  to  the  charge  of 
"  running"  without  being  "  sent,"  and  feared  lest  they  might  lay  their 
hands  upon  the  ark  without  a  warrant.  But,  while  loyal  and  obedient, 
they  have  also  been  trained  to  a  conscientious  performance  of  duty,  and, 
when  sure  that  the  command  to  "  go  forward"  is  meant  for  tlicni,  they^i?. 

There  were  women,  therefore,  whose  "  hearts  were  stirred  up,"  ready 
to  respond  to  the  calls  of  the  Home  Mission  Board,  the  General  As- 
sembly, and  their  Synods,  as  the  children  of  Israel  to  Joshua,  "  All  that 
thou  commandest  us,  we  will  do,  and  whithersoever  thou  sendest  us,  we 
will  go." 

It  was  during  the  session  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1878,  at  Pitts- 
burg, that  the  first  convention  of  ladies  especially  intersted  in  home 
missions  was  held  in  the  lecture-room  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church. 
The  committee  of  ladies  already  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  Pittsburg 
took  an  active  part  in  this  convention,  and  it  prepared  the  way  for  the 
organization  of  "  The  Woman's  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church,"  which  has  co-operated  with  the  Board  of 
Home  Missions  so  harmoniously  ever  since. 

Space  cannot  be  taken  to  enumerate  the  steps  that  finally  resulted  in 
the  organization  of  this  committee  on  December  12,  1878,  but  it  has 
been  well  told  by  Mrs.  S.  F.  Scovel,  one  of  the  original  committee  from 
Pittsburg. Synod,  in  a  paper  which  ought  to  have  a  place  among  the 
archives  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

(For  some  of  the  information  given  here  in  regard  to  the  recom- 
mendations and  actions  of  Synods  indebtedness  is  acknowledged  to 
Mrs.  George  Norcross,  of  Carlisle,  extracts  being  taken  from  the  histori- 
cal paper  prepared  and  read  by  her  at  Harrisburg,  October  27,  1892,  at 
the  tenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Woman's  Synodical  Society  of  Home 
Missions  for  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania.) 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  347 

The  following  official  notification  was  sent  to  the  members  of  the 
committee  appointed  for  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon: 

"  Harriselrg,  Oct.  27,  1879. 
"  Mrs.  W.m.  Dorris, — You  were  appointed,  with  Mrs.  W.  P.  Wilson,  of  Bellefonte,  by  the 
Synod  of  Harrisburg,  last  week  in  session  at  Williamsport,  to  represent  the  Presbytery  of 
Huntingdon  on  the  Woman's  Committee  for  Home  Missions  of  the  Synod  of  Harrisburg. 
The  other  members  of  the  committee  are  Mrs.  Geo.  Norcross,  Carlisle;  Mrs.  J.  C.  Caldwell, 
Chambersburg ;  Mrs.  W.  C.  Lawson,  Milton;  Mrs.  S.  A.  Proctor,  Lewisburg;  Mrs.  Henry 
Miner,  Elkland ;  Miss  F.  A.  Dyer,  Covington. 

"  Yours  truly, 

"  T.  H.  Robinson, 

"  Slated  Clerk." 

Owing  to  various  causes,  some  of  the  ladies  appointed  by  the  Synod 
declined  to  ser\'e ;  the  remaining  ones  of  the  number  were  frequently 
strangers  to  each  other,  and  living  too  far  apart  to  meet  together,  con- 
ference and  planning  how  to  start  to  work  had  to  be  done  by  pen. 

Finally,  after  much  consultation  and  perplexity  as  to  the  best  way, 
"  the  committee  decided  to  act  upon  a  recommendation  of  Synod,  that 
'  conventions  be  held  on  this  subject  in  our  several  Presbyteries.'  "  Ac- 
cordingly such  a  conventiop  was  called  for  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle, 
to  meet  at  Chambersburg  on  February  25,  1880,  to  be  addressed  by  Dr. 
Sheldon  Jackson,  the  great  champion  for  home  missions,  and  Mrs. 
F.  E.  H.  Haines,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Woman's  Executive 
Committee  of  Home  Missions, — and  one  for  the  Presbytery  of  Hunt- 
ingdon on  February  26  and  27  in  the  town  of  Huntingdon.  The 
way  was  not  opened  at  that  time  to  meet  in  the  other  Presbyteries, — 
Northumberland  and  Wellsboro'. 

A  call  was  issued  February  9, 1880,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Woman's 
Committee  of  Home  Missions  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  Harrisburg, 
signed  by  the  Rev.  A.  Nelson  Hollifield,  pastor  of  the  Huntingdon 
Church,  and  sent  to  every  church  in  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon, 
stating  that  a  convention  in  the  interest  of  home  missions  would  be 
held  at  Huntingdon  February  26  and  27,  asking  them  to  be  repre- 
sented by  the  pastor  and  three  delegates,  two  of  these  being  women. 
There  was  a  large  attendance,  and  this  convention  did  much  to  arouse  a 
new  interest  in  the  cause. 

Dr.  Jackson  spoke  at  all  of  the  sessions,  and  Mrs.  Haines  met  with 
the  ladies  and  gave  them  information  about  their  special  department  of 
the  work,  which  was  the  support  of  schools  and  missionary  teachers, 
building  chapels,  etc. 


348  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Mrs.  Pratt,  of  the  Indian  Training  School  at  Carlisle,  also  gave  an 
interesting  talk  upon  their  work.  Mrs.  George  Norcross  (sister  of  Dr. 
Sheldon  Jackson)  and  Mrs.  J.  C.  Caldwell,  members  of  the  Synodical 
Committee,  attended  the  convention  and  took  part  in  the  ladies'  meeting, 
which  was  held  before  the  public  meeting  in  the  morning. 

In  the  afternoon  Dr.  Jackson  addressed  the  convention  upon 
Woman's  Work.  At  the  close  of  his  address,  upon  motion  of  Rev. 
A.  N.  Hollifield, — unanimously  adopted, — the  chair  appointed  the  fol- 
lowing ladies  as  a  committee  to  secure  Presbyterial  action,  etc. :  Presi- 
dent, Mrs.  Wm.  Dorris,  Huntingdon  ;  Secretary,  Mrs.  J.  M.  Bailey, 
Huntingdon;  Mrs.  Dr.  Wilson,  Hollidaysburg ;  Miss  Eliza  Cresswell, 
Alexandria ;  Miss  Mila  Porter,  Graysville ;  Mrs.  Annie  G.  Patterson, 
Lewistown  ;  Mrs.  N.  C.  Barclay,  Altoona  ;  Miss  Hattie  Browne,  Newton 
Hamilton. 

Mrs.  Haines  called  the  members  of  the  S\nodica!  Committee  together 
at  this  time,  and,  although  few  in  number,  an  organization  was  effected 
by  electing  Mrs.  George  Norcross  president,  and  Miss  F.  A.  Dyer,  of 
Covington,  secretary.  At  this  meeting  Mrs.  John  M.  Bailey,  of  Hunt- 
ingdon, who  had  assisted  in  the  preparations  for  the  convention,  was 
elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  on  the  committee  for  the  Presbytery  of  Hunt- 
ingdon, Mrs.  William  P.  Wilson,  of  Bellefonte,  having  declined  the 
appointment  by  the  Synod.  As  no  uniform  plan  of  action  could  be 
arranged,  it  was  thought  best  that  in  each  Presbytery  the  members  of 
the  committee  should  work  according  to  their  best  judgment,  and,  where 
successful,  communicate  the  plan  to  others. 

A  report  was  sent  October  22,  1 880,  to  the  Synod,  in  session  at 
Chambersburg,  by  the  synodical  secretary,  showing  some  advance  had 
been  made  in  organization  and  general  interest  during  the  past  eight 
months,  with  a  request  for  the  enlargement  of  the  committee.  The 
report  was  approved  and  the  committee  increased  to  sixteen  members, 
four  from  each  Presbytery.  Those  appointed  for  the  Presbytery  of  Hunt- 
ingdon,— Mrs.  William  Dorris,  Huntingdon;  Mrs.  John  M.  Bailey, 
Huntingdon;  Miss  Eliza  G.  Cresswell,  Alexandria;  Mrs.  S.  M.  Wood- 
cock, Altoona. 

The  first  efforts  of  the  committee  were  directed  towards  spreading 
information  through  the  sixty-seven  churches  of  the  Presbytery,  as  pre- 
paratory' to  the  organization  of  societies  and  bands  among  the  women 
and  young  people.  To  this  end  appeals  were  made,  first  to  the  pastors, 
and  then  to  the  women  of  the  churches,  as  soon  as  names  could  be  obtained 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  349 

with  whom  to  open  up  correspondence,  asking  them  to  distribute  leaflets 
and  mite-boxes,  furnished  freely  by  the  Woman's  Executive  Committee, 
and  urging  that  subscriptions  be  obtained,  wherever  possible,  to  The 
Rocky  Mountain  Presbyterian,  &^\X.t^  hy  Dr  Jackson,  at  Denver,  Colo- 
rado. Instructions  as  to  the  general  work  were  given,  and  special  direc- 
tions as  to  organizing  societies  and  conducting  meetings,  etc.,  and  where 
to  apply  for  help  or  information. 

Many  ministers  replied  with  encouraging  words,  and  offering  their 
assistance,  and  many  women  were  found  waiting  and  anxious  to  be  shown 
what  to  do.  Others  were  indifferent,  and  some  "  doubted,"  wondering 
"  whereunto  this  would  grow,"  and  feared  lest  woman's  work  for  foreign 
missions  would  suffer  in  consequence.  There  were  difficulties  to  be 
overcome  and  objections  to  be  met,  but  the  work  was  not  "  woman's," 
but  God's,  through  n'oiiian,  and  it  went  forward. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  April,  1880,  in  Bellefonte,  after 
the  convention  held  at  Huntingdon  the  preceding  February,  a  paper 
was  offered  by  the  Rev.  A.  N.  HoUifield,  stating  the  action  of  the  con- 
vention, and  naming  the  members  appointed  at  that  time,  as  a  Presby- 
terial  committee,  "  to  effect  the  organization  of  auxiliary  societies  in  our 
bounds,"  and  "  be  it  Resol'Jed,  that  we  cordially  recommetid  the  said  com- 
mittee to  our  churches." 

This  resolution  called  forth  considerable  discussion  and  some  oppo- 
sition, but  was  bravely  defended  by  earnest  friends  of  the  cause,  and  the 
paper  was  finally  adopted. 

The  progress  made  in  organization  can  be  shown  best  by  the  follow- 
ing extracts  from  the  report  of  the  Synodical  Committee,  made  one 
year  after,  to  the  Presbytery  at  their  meeting  in  April,  1881  : 

"  Believing  that  the  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  are  not  indifferent  to  any 
work  of  the  Master  carried  on  within  their  own  bounds,  and  encouraged  by  the  resolution  of 
the  Synod  of  18S0,  page  15  of  the  '  minutes,'  '  that  we  will  endeavor  to  help  those  women 
who  labor  with  us  in  the  Lord,  and  encourage  and  assist  them  in  organizing  Home  Misssionary 
Societies  and  Bands  in  all  our  congregations,'  we,  the  members  of  '  The  Woman's  Synodical 
Committee  on  Home  Missions,'  who  have  the  honor  to  represent  the  Presbytery  of  Hunt- 
ingdon on  this  committee,  venture  to  intrude  upon  your  time  and  patience  with  a  report  of  our 
work  in  this  department  during  the  past  year.  In  March,  18S0,  soon  after  our  appointment  by 
the  Synod  of  Harrisburg,  we  made  our  first  report  to  the  '  Woman's  Executive  Committee,' 
showing  but  three  societies,  and  one  band,  auxiliary  to  them.  These,  with  their  contributions, 
were  from  the  following  churches : 

"  Alexandria,  organized  March  4,  1876:  to  Woman's  Executive  Committee,  S50;  box  to 
missionary,  $103.28 ;  Huntingdon,  organized  June  25,1879:  cash,  $38;  box,  $76.10;  Hunt- 
ingdon Band,  Lilies  of  the  Valley,  contributed  to  box  ;  Lewistown,  organized  March  31, 1880; 


350  THE   CENTENNIAL    ANNIVERSARY 

special  donation  from  the  Misses  Stewart,  Colerain  Forge,  $5 ;  making  a  total  of  cash,  593 ; 
boxes  to  home  missionaries,  J179.38;  total  to  both,  S272.38.  (The  Lewistown  society  was 
organized  through  the  efforts  of  Mrs.  A.  Granville  Patterson,  of  Lewistown,  a  member  of  the 
committee  appointed  by  the  convention  at  Huntingdon  in  February,  18S0.) 

"  Our  second  annual  report  to  the  Woman's  Executive  Committee,  for  the  year  ending 
March,  1881,  shows  fourteen  organizations,  a  gain  of  ten  during  the  year;  the  greater  number 
have  been  but  recently  organized,  and  nine  only  report  contributions.  Five  churches  contrib- 
uted without  organization,  and  a  special  gift  by  the  Misses  Stewart  of  Colerain  Forge. 

"  Receipts  in  cash,  S520.63;  value  of  boxes,  §536.88;  total,  S1057.51,  a  gain  of  S785.13, 
and  ten  more  organized  societies. 

"  (Signed  by  the  committee,) 

"  Mrs.  William  Dorris, 
"  Mrs.  John  M.  Bailev, 
"  Mrs.  S.  M.  Woodcock, 
"  Miss  E.  G.  Cresswell." 

At  the  twelfth  annual  meeting  of  the  Synod  at  Clearfield,  October, 
1881,  which  proved  to  be  its  last  session, — as  its  official  existence  ended 
January  2,  1882, — the  Home  Mission  Committee  was  continued,  and  the 
same  ladies  were  appointed  to  represent  this  Presbytery,  Miss  E.  G. 
Cresswell  being  then  Mrs.  J.  C.  Barr,  of  Alexandria.  The  third  report, 
for  the  year  ending  March  31,  1882,  showed  women's  societies,  thirteen; 
bands,  six ;  total,  nineteeen,  a  gain  of  five ;  cash,  six  hundred  and  thirty- 
five  dollars  and  five  cents ;  boxes  to  home  missionaries,  schools,  etc., 
seven  hundred  and  fifty-one  dollars  and  sixty  cents;  total,  one  thousand 
three  hundred  and  eighty-six  dollars  and  sixty-five  cents.  Eight  churches 
without  societies  contributed  through  mite-boxes.  Fourth  report,  March, 
1883:  auxiliaries,  twenty-five;  churches  contributing  without  societies, 
eight ;  cash,  six  hundred  and  fifty-two  dollars  and  seven  cents ;  boxes, 
seven  hundred  and  one  dollars  and  ninet)'-four  cents ;  total,  one  thousand 
three  hundred  and  fifty- four  dollars  and  one  cent. 

By  the  action  of  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania,  convened  at  Harrisburg, 
October  19,  1882,  seventy-five  ladies  were  appointed  as  a  committee,  rep- 
resenting the  twenty-two  Presbyteries  of  the  Synod,  "  to  have  in  charge 
the  interests  of  woman's  home  mission  work  within  their  several  Presby- 
teries," and  also  recommended  that  this  committee  meet  at  Carlisle,  in 
connection  with  the  meeting  of  the  Woman's  Home  Missionary  Society 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  on  the  8th  and  9th  of  November  following. 
In  response  to  this  call  a  large  company  came  together  from  the  recently- 
consolidated  Synods  of  Erie,  Harrisburg,  Philadelphia,  and  Pittsburg, 
and  organized  as  a  "  Synodical  Committee  for  Home  Missions  of  the 
Synod  of  Pennsylvania,"  electing   as    their  officers,  Mrs.  S.  S.  Bryan, 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  35  I 

chairman ;  Mrs.  Thomas  McCauley,  vice-chairman ;  Miss  F.  A.  Dyer, 
corresponding  secretary ;  Miss  E.  S.  Dickey,  recording  secretary. 

The  ladies  appointed  for  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  by  the  recon- 
structed Synod  were  the  members  of  the  committee  that  had  been  acting 
under  appointment  from  the  late  Synod  of  Harrisburg,  now  as  members 
of  the  "  Synodical  Committee  of  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania." 

The  work  was  growing  steadily,  as  shown  by  the  fourth  report  made 
March  31,  18S3,  and  the  committee  felt  the  time  had  come  for  organizing 
as  a  Presbyterial  society.  The  following  circular,  therefore,  was  issued, 
accompanied  by  the  several  actions  and  recommendations  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Huntingdon,  with  their  endorsement: 


"  It  is  the  desire  of  the  members  of  the  Woman's  Synodical  Committee  on  Home  Mis- 
sions representing  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  that  a  Presbyterial  society  shall  be  organ- 
ized as  early  as  possible ;  and  as  soon  as  arrangements  can  be  made  a  meeting  of  the  auxil- 
iaries and  Presbyterial  Committee  will  be  called  to  consider  this  question,  and  to  elect  their 
own  officers.  In  the  mean  time  our  work  will  be  systematized  and  facilitated  if  treasurers 
of  Auxiliaries  and  other  contributors  to  home  missions  will  send  their  money  to  Mrs.  John 
M.  Bailey,  Treasurer  of  the  Woman's  Home  Mission  Work  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery. 
"  (Signed)  Mks.  Wm.  Dorris, 

•  "  Chairman  Synodical  Committee." 

Huntingdon,  Pa.,  August  30, 1883. 


To  Home  Mission  Auxiliaries  and  Members  of  the  Woman's  Home  Mission  Presby- 
terial Committee. 

Unavoidable  hinderances  have  prevented  the  publication  and  sending  out  at  an  earlier  date 
the  several  actions  of  the  Huntingdon  Presbytery  in  regard  to  our  home  mission  work. 
Neither  have  we  been  able  to  hold  a  general  conference  with  the  members  of  the  Presbyterial 
Committee  for  the  purpose  of  dividing  the  work,  which  has  grown  rapidly  since  its  start  in  the 
winter  of  1879-80,  when  we  numbered  but  two  auxiliaries.  At  this  date  our  auxiliaries  are 
twenty-seven,  societies  having  been  reported  as  organized  in  the  churches  of  West  Kishaco- 
quillas  and  Buffalo  Run  since  we  reported  to  the  Presbytery  in  April  last,  and  the  women  of 
nine  of  our  churches  have  been  contributing  without  regular  organization.  With  such  marked 
increase  of  interest  thus  shown  in  this  department  of  mission  work,  the  members  of  our 
Synodical  Committee  cannot  but  feel  that  the  time  has  come  for  handing  the  care  of  it  over  to 
the  auxiliaries  themselves,  and  we  therefore  ask  you  to  examine  carefully  the  Constitution  for 
Presbyterial  society  herewith  enclosed,  and  be  prepared  (when  the  call  for  a  meeting  shall  be 
issued)  to  adopt  it,  or  to  make  changes  in  it,  if  necessary,  if  it  shall  be  decided  by  a  majority 
of  those  present  that  it  is  expedient  to  organize  as  a  Presbytery  for  woman's  work  in  home 
missions. 

In  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania  the  women  have  thus  organized  in  all  but  four  of  its  twenty- 
two  Presbyteries.  Will  you  not  by  your  action  in  this  matter  enable  us  lo  report  to  the  Synod 
at  its  meeting  in  Pittsburg,  in  October  next,  that  the  women  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon 


Syitodical  Commitke. 


352  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

do  not  mean  any  longer  to  be  left  behind,  but  expect  to  keep  pace  with  the  work  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  ? 

Mrs.  William  Dorris, 

Mrs.  John  M.  Bailkv, 
Mrs.  J.  C.  Barr, 
Mrs.  S.  M.  Woodcock, 

August  30, 1883. 

ACTIONS    AND    RECOMMENDATIONS   OF    THE   PRESBYTERV   OF    HUNTINGDON    IN 
REGARD    TO    WOMAN's    WORK    IN    HOME    MISSIONS. 

After  the  presentation  and  adoption  of  the  third  annual  report  of 
the  Woman's  Synodical  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  representing  the 
Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  the  following  resolution  was  offered  and 
passed  unanimously  by  the  Presbytery  in  session  at  HoUidaysburg, 
April  12,  1882: 

"  In  view  of  the  present  vast  emigration  to  our  Western  States,  and  the  importance  of  most 
active  mission  labors  there,  especially  in  the  present  decade,  as  affecting  the  future  interests  of 
both  the  country  and  the  church,  we  have  heard  wilh  'great  pleasure  and  interest  the  report  of 
the  Woman's  Home  Missionary  Society  of  the  Presbytery,  showing  their  commendable  zeal  in 
the  organization  of  auxiliaries  within  our  bounds." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  October  i,  1882, 
the  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  Woman's  Synodical  Committee  on  Home  Missions, 
residing  within  the  bounds  of  this  Presbytery,  be  requested  to  take  charge  of  the  woman's 
home  mission  work  of  the  Presbytery,  reporting  their  work  statedly  to  us,  and  that  Mrs.  John 
M.  Bailey,  of  that  committee,  act  as  Presbyterial  treasurer  for  the  auxiliaries  of  the  Woman's 
Home  Mission  Society." 

Also  at  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  held  April  1 1,  1883,  the  follow- 
ing minute  was  adopted : 

"  The  fourth  annual  report  of  the  Woman's  Home  Mission  Society  of  the  Presbytery 
was  received  and  read,  and  in  compliance  with  the  recommendation  and  request  of  the 
Woman's  Synodical  Committee  on  Home  Missions  of  this  Presbytery,  a  Presbyterial  Com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  assist  the  Synodical  Committee  in  the  department  of  mission  work 
committed  to  their  charge.  The  Presbyterial  Committee  to  consist  of  the  following-named 
ladies:  Mrs.  William  Gemmill,  Ramey,  Clearfield  County,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  Wdliam  C. 
Kuhn,  Pine  Grove  Mills,  Centre  County,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  H.  G.  Fisher,  Huntingdon, 
Huntingdon  County,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  James  A.  Beaver,  Bellefonte,  Centre  County,  Penn- 
sylvania; Mrs.  George  Elder,  Lewistown,  MiflUn  County,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  Robert  F. 
Wilson,  Port  Royal,  Juniata  County,  Pennsylvania ;  Mrs.  George  K.  Scott,  Shellsburg,  Bedford 
County,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  Charlotte  Irvine,  HoUidaysburg,  Blair  County,  Pennsylvania; 
Mrs.  Ner  Thompson,  Milroy,  MIfllin  County,  Pennsylvania;   Mrs.  S.  R.  Barclay,  Altoona,  Blair 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  353 

County,  Pennsylvania ;  Miss  Ida  F.  Reamer,  Bedford,  Bedford  County,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs. 
William  Dorris,  Hun'.ingdon,  to  act  as  President,  and  Mrs.  John  M.  Bailey,  Huntingdon,  to  act 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Society." 

Members  of  Woman's  Synodical  Committee  representing  the  Presby- 
tery of  Huntingdon:  Mrs.  William  Dorris,  Huntingdon,  Pennsylvania; 
Mrs.  John  M.  Bailey,  Huntingdon,  Pennsylvania;  Mrs.  J.  C.  Barr,  Alex- 
andria, Huntingdon  County,  Pennsylvania ;  and  Mrs.  S.  M.  Wood- 
cock, Altoona,  Blair  County,  Pennsylvania. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon,  held  in  the  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Mifflintown,  April  11,  1883,  the  following  paper  was 
adopted,  viz.  : 

"  The  Presbytery  have  this  day  heard  with  great  pleasure  the  report  of  the  Woman's  Home 
Missionary  Societies  within  our  bounds  (the  same  being  the  Fourth  Annual  Report  of  the 
Woman's  Synodical  Committee  on  Home  Missions  representing  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon), 
and  rejoice  greatly  in  view  of  their  rapid  growth,  increase  in  contributions,  and  proportionate 
efficiency  over  past  years,  and  also  in  view  of  new  auxiliaries  and  bands  which  have  been 
formed  during  the  past  year. 

"  Therefore  be  it  resolved : 

"  First.  That  the  Presbytery  regards  this  Society  as  one  of  the  important  agencies  by 
which  the  great  work  of  our  Lord  it  to  be  carried  forward  in  the  earth,  and  that  we  most 
heartily  congratulate  the  auxiliaries,  bands,  and  the  families  having  mite-boxes,  for  the  great 
good  already  accomplished  by  them,  and  pray  that  they  may  advance  to  still  greater  results,  and 
reap  proportionately  greater  blessings. 

"Second.  That  we  earnestly  recommend  that  organizations  be  effected  in  all  the  churches 
within  our  bounds  where  they  do  not  now  exist. 

"  Third.  That  the  officers  of  the  Presl>yterial  Committee  be  requested  to  report  fully  their 
work  to  this  body  at  its  annual  spring  meeiing. 

"  Fourth.  That  the  following  members  of  Presbytery  be  appointed  a  permanent  com- 
mittee to  confer  with  the  members  of  the  society  concerning  their  plans  and  work,  and  to 
render  them  in  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  all  the  assistance  in  their  power.  Names  of  com- 
mittee: D.  K.  Freeman,  D.  H.  Barron,  D.D.,  T.  H.  Wiggins,  Elder. 

"  Fifth.  That  the  stated  clerk  of  the  Presbytery  send  a  copy  of  their  action  to  Mrs.  Wil- 
liam Dorris,  President  of  the  Presbyterial  Committee,  with  the  request  that  a  copy  be  sent  by 
her  to  each  society  within  our  bounds." 

M.  N.  Cornelius,  i 

J.  C.  Barr,  /  Committee. 

Arrangements  were  accordingly  made  for  holding  a  meeting  in 
Altoona,  and  a  call  was  issued  for  October  8  and  9,  1883,  "under  the 
auspices  of  the  Woman's  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Home  Mission 
Committees  of  the  Presbytery,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  Presby- 
terial Societ}', — '  if  the  way  be  clear,' — and  for  the  advancement  of  the 
general  interests  of  home  missions." 


354  "^^^^   CENTENNIAL   ANXIVERSARY 

The  meeting  on  Monday  evening,  October  8,  held  in  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church,  was  addressed  by  Rev.  Wni.  C.  Roberts,  D.D., 
Secretary  of  tlie  Board  of  Home  Missions.  On  Tuesday,  October  9, 
the  sessions  were  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  Churcli,  and  after  de- 
votional exercises,  led  by  Mrs.  N.  C.  Barclay,  of  Altoona,  Mrs.  Chas.  E. 
Walker,  Vice-President  of  the  Woman's  Executive  Committee,  was 
chosen  to  preside,  and  Mrs.  Woodcock  and  Mrs.  Dorris  as  Secretaries. 

Mrs.  S.  M.  Woodcock,  of  Altoona,  welcomed  the  delegates  in  an 
excellent  address,  and  after  roll  call  of  the  churches, — showing  quite  a 
good  representation, — Mrs.  F.  E.  H.  Haines,  Corresponding  Secretary  of 
the  Woman's  Executive  Committee,  who  had  come  from  New  York  to 
aid  the  ladies  in  organizing,  gave  an  account  of  the  progress  of  the 
work,  and  Mrs.  Walker  and  Miss  McKean  made  good  addresses.  Miss 
McKean  was  a  missionary  teacher  in  Utah,  and  said,  "  The  only  hope  for 
Utah  is  the  education  of  the  children."  (Miss  McKean  is  now  the  wife 
of  Rev.  W.  P.  White,  of  Germantown.) 

Committees  on  constitution  and  organization  of  Presb>'terial  Society 
were  appointed,  who  reported  a  constitution  and  the  following  permanent 
officers : 

President,  Mrs.  Wm.  Dorris,  of  Huntingdon  ;  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary, Mrs.  S.  M.  Woodcock,  Altoona;  Recording  Secretary,  Mrs.  J.  C. 
Barr,  Alexandria;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  J.  M.  Bailey,  Huntingdon. 

Vice-Presidents,  Mrs.  Charlotte  Irvine,  Hollidaysburg;  Mrs.  S.  A. 
Smith,  Altoona;  Miss  Lizzie  Bell,  Bellwood  ;  Mrs.  Emma  Dewees,  Lew- 
istown  ;  Mrs.  Dr.  McClay,  Milroy;  Mrs.  Henry  Butler,  Clearfield;  Mrs. 
James  A.  Beaver,  Bellcfonte ;  Mrs.  R.  F.  Wilson,  Port  Royal. 

The  report  given  showed  that  there  were  twenty-seven  auxiliaries  in 
the  Presbytery,  with  contributions  up  to  April  i,  in  mone\'  and  boxes, 
amounting  to  thirteen  hundred  and  fifty-four  dollars  and  one  cent,  the 
same  report  that  was  made  to  the  Woman's  Executive  Committee  and 
to  Presbytery  in  April,  1883. 

The  paper  prepared  and  read  by  Mrs.  J.  C.  Barr  at  this  meeting, 
relative  to  the  formation  of  the  Alexandria  Society,  being  of  such  general 
interest,  is  given  here  in  full. 

"  We  call  ourselves  the  pioneer  society  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery,  because  we  were  the 
first  society  organized  within  its  bounds,  for  the  present  organization  was  ilTected  in  March, 
1876.  We  have  persevcringly  continued  till  the  present, — sometimes  amid  di^cuuragenienls 
when  little  interest  has  been  manifested  by  the  members  and  few  found  at  the  regular  meet- 
ings of  the  society. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  355 

"  One  fact  worthy  of  mention  of  our  society  is,  that  we  have  never  failed  to  hold  our  regu- 
lar monthly  meetings  since  its  reorganization.  We  say  reorganization,  for  we  find  that,  running 
back  to  December  25,  1823,  Rev.  James  Thompson,  pastor  of  the  Church  of  Alexandria, 
preached  the  first  home  mission  sermon,  which  so  stirred  up  the  hearts  of  the  good  women  of 
the  church  that  four  met  that  same  afternoon  to  consider  the  formation  of  a  missionary  society. 
Of  these  ladies,  one,  Miss  Margaret  Stewart,  is  still  living,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  the 
facts  of  this  organization,  which  became  a  large  and  flourishing  society.  Rev.  Mr.  Thompson 
wrote  a  constitution  for  them. 

"They  met  twice  a  month,  on  .Saturday  afternoon,  at  the  homes  of  the  members.  They 
went  just  after  a  twelve  o'clock  dinner  and  worked  until  bedtime.  The  members  had  but  little 
money  to  give,  but  willing  hands  to  work  for  the  Master.  This  work  they  sold  and  put  the 
money  in  the  treasury.  Some  of  the  members  chose  special  work.  One  lady  continued  for 
years  making  gentlemen's  stocks,  such  as  were  worn  in  that  day.  Another  embroidered  baby 
caps.     Some  made  needle-books  and  pin-cushions. 

"  The  meetings  were  opened  with  reading  the  Scriptures  and  prayer.  One  was  appointed 
at  each  meeting  to  read  at  the  next  meeting.  If  members  were  absent,  a  fine  of  six  cents  was 
imposed.     At  the  end  of  the  first  year  they  had  ninety  dollars  in  the  treasury. 

"Dr.  Ely  came  after  this,  preaching  missionary  sermons,  trying  to  establish  societies  in  the 
churches.  When  he  found  one  already  in  Alexandria,  and  the  only  one  within  the  bounds  of 
Huntingdon  Presbytery,  he  proposed  to  take  their  money,  double  it,  and  send  it  back  to  pay  a 
missionary  to  labor  in  their  own  Presbytery.  This  he  did,  and  Rev.  James  Thompson  em- 
ployed Rev.  Samuel  Montgomery,  of  Northumberland  County,  who  served  six  months  for  that 
money,  laboring  at  Yellow  Creek,  Coffee  Run,  and  Marklesburg,  which  was  all  missionary 
ground  then.  After  the  first  yeaj  the  money  was  sent  to  Presbytery,  to  be  used  where  most 
needed.  The  yearly  contributions  never  amounted  to  less  than  sixty  dollars.  Three  life 
members  were  made  in  this  society. 

"  After  this  the  little  girls  formed  a  society  on  the  same  principles.  They  sent  their  money 
to  Rev.  William  Montgomery,  a  missionary  laboring  among  the  Osage  Indians.  We  selected 
two  children  for  them  to  name,  and  one  was  called  Henry  Martyn,  the  other  Cladius  Buchanan. 
How  long  this  little  girls'  society  continued  we  have  no  record ;  but  the  other  lasted  many 
years,  until  death,  marriage,  or  removal  had  claimed  most  of  the  members.  Of  this  old  society 
we  have  two  at  least  of  the  members  of  it  enrolled  as  members  of  our  present  society,  and  one 
who  was  a  member  of  the  little  girls'  society. 

"  Of  Miss  Stewart,  one  of  the  founders  of  the  parent  society,  I  wish  to  speak.  Although 
living  in  Philadelphia,  in  her  eighty-fifth  year,  her  sight  almost  gone,  yet  her  heart  returns  to 
the  old  Church  of  Alexandria,  and  her  interest  continues  in  all  its  work.  When  I  meet  her, 
almost  the  first  question  she  asks  is,  '  What  about  your  missionary  society  ?  What  are  you 
doing?'  And  then  her  thoughts  go  back  to  the  old  society,  of  which  she  loves  to  speak. 
Soon  these  living  links  that  connect  the  society  of  1883  with  that  of  1832  must  be  broken ;  but 
we  may  be  thankful  that  some  of  the  old  spirit  remains.  Indeed,  it  has  never  died  out,  for 
whilst  the  organization  by  changes  was  broken  up,  the  spirit  continued,  and  missionary  boxes 
were  sent  out  by  the  ladies  of  the  church  year  after  year.  When  the  formation  of  women's 
missionary  societies  was  recommended  in  all  our  churches  some  years  ago,  our  ladies,  when 
they  came  together  for  that  purpose,  by  a  large  majority  decided  it  should  be  a  Jtonic  missionary 
society,  thus  again  becoming  the  first  organized  Home  Missionary  Society  in  the  Presbytery. 

"  We  have  also  organized,  two  years  ago,  a  Young  Ladies'  Foreign  Missionary  Band,  and 
find  the  two  working  together  harmoniously." 


356  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

After  earnest  words  of  counsel  and  instruction  from  Mrs.  Haines 
and  Mrs  Walker,  in  the  closing  hours  of  the  afternoon,  Dr.  W.  C. 
Roberts  bade  the  society  God-speed  in  the  work  that  lay  before  it,  and 
pronounced  the  benediction;  and  thus  on  the  9th  of  October,  1883,  the 
Woman's  Home  Mission  Society  of  the  Presbyterj'  of  Huntingdon 
began  its  official  life. 

The  first  annual  meeting  was  held  on  October  29  and  30,  in  the 
Logan's  Valley  Church,  at  Bellwood ;  opening  on  Wednesday  evening, 
29th,  by  a  public  meeting,  at  which  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Mathers,  D.D., 
pastor  of  the  church,  presided.  Addresses  were  made  by  Rev.  J.  C. 
Barr,  of  Alexandria,  Rev.  J.  H.  Mathers,  Rev.  M.  N.  Cornelius,  of 
Altoona  F"irst  Church,  and  Rev.  D.  K.  Freeman,  of  Huntingdon.  These 
addresses  were  short,  "  but  earnest  in  setting  forth  the  needs  of  home 
missions,  and  pleading  for  increased  effort  and  enlarged  contributions." 
The  session  on  Thursday  morning,  30th,  opened  at  9.30.  Forty-two 
delegates  responded  to  the  roll  call,  representing  seventeen  auxiliaries 
and  bands. 

The  report  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary,  Mrs.  S.  M.  Woodcock, 
gave  contributions  in  cash  of  $1089.17;  in  "boxes,"  value,  $6 37.47; 
an  aggregate  of  5175664;  and  thirty-seven  auxiliaries,  being  a  gain  of 
ten  over  the  report  of  1883,  at  the  time  of  organization;  four  of  these 
having  been  organized  through  the  instrumentality  of  Miss  F.  A.  Dyer, 
who  visited  in  the  spring  as  Synodical  Secretary  many  of  the  churches 
and  societies  of  the  Presb)'tery  in  the  interest  of  the  work. 

The  Treasurer,  Mrs.  John  M.  Bailey,  reported  money  sent  through 
her  $866.94 ;  the  discrepancy  between  her  report  and  that  of  the  Corre- 
sponding Secretary'  being  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  Mrs.  Woodcock 
gave  amounts,  collected  from  the  blanks  sent  to  her,  dating  from  April 
I,  1883,  to  April,  1884;  while  Mrs.  Bailey's  receipts  were  from  October, 
1883,  to  October,  1884;  and  also  that  churches,  societies,  and  individuals 
require  "  line  upon  line,  precept  upon  precept,"  before  they  will  learn  to 
follow  rules  for  systematic  work,  and,  notwithstanding  repeated  direc- 
tions to  the  contrary,  money  was  sent  direct  to  New  York  to  Mrs.  M. 
E.  Boyd,  Treasurer  of  the  Woman's  Executive  Committee,  instead  of  to 
the  Presbyterial  Treasurer. 

It  was  decided  that  hereafter  only  money  sent  through  the  Presbyterial 
Treasurer  would  be  reported  or  credited  to  auxiliaries,  and  that  the 
Presbyterial  year  would  close  September  30.  The  President,  Secretaries, 
and  Treasurer  were  re-elected  for  the  ensuing  year,  with  some  changes  in 


0/    THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  357 

the  list  of  Vice-Presidents.  Mrs.  R.  H.  Shaw,  of  Clearfield,  Mrs.  Emma 
W.  McCoy,  of  Tyrone,  and  Mrs.  Emily  W.  Kuhn,  of  Altoona  First 
Church,  being  added,  or  taking  the  places  of  those  retiring;  Mrs.  Wil- 
liam H.  Woods,  of  Huntingdon,  and  Miss  Ida  Dull,  of  Lewistown,  were 
made  Superintendents  of  Bands ;  Miss  Lida  N.  Wilson,  of  Port  Royal, 
given  charge  of  Sunday-School  work  ;  and  Mrs.  J.  L.  Russell,  of  Altoona 
Second  Church,  appointed  as  Secretary  of  Freedmen's  Department,  as 
the  support  of  schools  under  the  care  of  the  Board  for  Freedmen  had 
been  undertaken  in  i884by  the  Woman's  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions,  in  addition  to  that  already  assumed  among  the  Indians,  Mexi- 
cans, and  Mormons. 

Mrs.  F.  E.  H.  Haines  met  again  with  the  society  in  this  its  first 
annual  gathering,  and  gave  a  most  interesting  account  of  the  missions 
in  Alaska  and  Utah,  which  she  had  visited  during  the  summer.  Mrs. 
Darwin  R.  James,  of  Washington,  D.C.,  First  Vice-President  of  the 
Woman's  E.xecutive  Committee  (now  its  able  President),  spoke  on  the 
"  Destiny  of  our  Nation,"  showing  America,  a  nation  set  in  the  midst  of 
the  world,  as  a  Christianizer  of  all  nations,  as  they  are  brought  to  our 
doors  by  immigration.  ^iss  F.  A.  Dyer  urged  upon  societies,  and 
treasurers  of  auxiliaries,  to  be  prompt  and  exact  in  their  reports  and 
payments,  as  the  smoothness  and  success  of  the  work  begins  here,  and 
related  instances  of  the  great  sacrifices  made  by  missionary  teachers, 
working  under  hardships  and  difficulties,  isolated  from  companionship, 
with  poor  accommodations  for  their  schools  or  their  own  comfort. 

The  second  annual  convocation  was  held  in  Tyrone,  October  i  and 
2.  The  public  meeting  October  i  was  addressed  by  Rev.  Dr.  R.  H. 
Allen,  Secretary  of  the  Freedmen's  Board,  and  Rev.  J.  L.  Russell,  of 
Altoona  Second  Church. 

On  Friday,  October  2,  Mrs.  R.  H.  Allen,  secretary  for  this  depart- 
ment of  the  Woman's  Board,  pleaded  in  eloquent  words  for  help  for  freed- 
women  and  their  children.  Mrs.  A.  P.  Happer,  missionary  to  China, 
testified  to  the  assistance  rendered  to  the  work  abroad  by  the  loyal  sup- 
port of  the  home  work. 

Mrs.  Charles  L.  Bailey  and  Mrs.  Thomas  L.  Wallace,  of  Harrisburg, 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  gave  valuable  suggestions  as  to  methods  of 
work,  and  the  devotional  spirit  they  brought  with  them  was  very  help- 
ful. Tiie  reports  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary  and  Treasurer  showed 
increase  in  money  and  membership  ;  but  we  may  not  follow  the  progress 
of  the  society — even  in  outline — through  the  years.     The  Treasurer  can 


358  THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

give  the  records  of  the  past,  as  shown  by  her  receipts,  but  God  only 
knows  what  he  has  recorded  of  earnest  prayers,  of  self-denials  and 
sacrifices,  and  "  the  constraining  love"  which  prompted  the  gifts. 

Some  of  the  early  workers  have  folded  their  hands  and  gone  to  re- 
ceive their  reward,  and  will  long  "be  remembered  by  what  they  have 
done;"  among  these  must  be  mentioned  Mrs.  S.  M.  Woodcock,  the 
efficient,  faithful  Corresponding  Secretary',  and  Mrs.  Charlotte  Irvine, 
First  Vice-President,  who  with  Mrs.  Tucker  organized  the  Alaske  Club, 
of  Hollidaysburg  Church,  the  first  boys'  band  for  home  missions  in  the 
Presbytery. 

Mrs.  R.  H.  Allen  and  Mrs.  F.  E.  H.  Haines  have  also  "  passed  into 
the  skies,"  but  have  left  their  monuments  in  schools  founded  as  "  light- 
houses amidst  the  surrounding  darkness,"  and  in  many,  many  lives  re- 
deemed and  blessed,  through  the  knowledge  of  the  gospel  of  the  Son 
of  God. 

It  is  of  interest  to  remember  that  Mrs.  Haines  was  the  daughter  of 
Mr.  Wilder,  of  New  York,  who  educated  and  sent  Jonas  King,  the  first 
missionary  to  Syria,  and  paid  his  salary  there,  when  the  American 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  was  in  its  infancy.  In  her  j'outh  Miss 
Wilder  had  expected  to  go  as  a  foreign  missionary,  but  God  had  other 
work  for  her,  and  the  way  was  not  opened  to  carry  out  her  plan  of  life. 

Of  the  ministers  of  the  Presbytery  who  aided  in  the  beginning  of 
this  work,  M.  N.  Cornelius,  George  Elliott,  and  J.  C  Barr  have  rested 
from  labor  and  gone  home ;  while  Father  Prideaux,  in  his  eighty-third 
year,  and  Dr.  O.  O.  McCiean  are  waiting  with  faces  turned  eastward, 
their  feet  touching  the  brink,  ready  to  cross  the  river  when  the  summons 
comes. 

Some  societies  have  dropped  out  by  the  way,  and  a  number  of  bands 
have  been  merged  in  the  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  but  we  hope 
that  contributions  to  home  missions  will  not  be  lost,  although  they  may 
go  by  a  different  channel. 

At  the  third  meeting,  October  7  and  S,  1886,  at  Huntingdon,  Miss 
Mary  T.  Elder,  of  Lewistown,  and  Mrs.  N.  C.  Barclay,  of  Altoona,  were 
elected  to  take  charge  of  bands,  and  Miss  Mary  S.  Coolbroth,  of  Holli- 
daysburg, as  Assistant  Corresponding  Secretary. 

At  the  fourth  meeting,  at  Mount  Union,  October  i  and  2,  1887,  Mrs. 
Dorris  having  declined  re-election,  Mrs.  J.  L.  Russell  was  made  Presi- 
dent ;  owing  to  removal  from  the  Presbyter}'  of  Mrs.  J.  C.  Barr,  Record- 
ing Secretary,  Miss  Annie  I.  Clarke,  of  Tyrone,  was  elected   to  that 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  IfUA'TTVCDOiV.  359 

office;  and  Miss  S.  H.  Hutchinson,  of  Altoona,  as  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary, in  place  of  Mrs.  S.  M.  Woodcock,  resigned. 

Mrs.  Dr.  Freeman  and  Mrs.  H.  O.  Fisher,  of  Huntingdon,  were  made 
Secretaries  of  the  Freedmen's  Department,  left  vacant  by  Mrs.  Russell's 
election  to  the  Presidency.  Rev.  J.  L.  Russell  having  accepted  a  call  to 
Los  Angeles,  California,  Miss  Annie  M.  Irvine  was  elected  President,  at 
Clearfield,  October  4,  1889,  and  in  this,  the  twelfth  year  of  the  Presby- 
terial  Society,  is  still  its  honored  leader. 

In  the  spring  of  1890  Miss  Annie  I.  Clarke,  Recording  Secretary, 
died,  beloved  and  regretted  by  all  who  knew  her,  and  Mrs.  A.  M. 
Laporte,  of  Tyrone,  filled  the  vacancy  until  the  meeting  at  Hollidays- 
burg,  in  the  fall  of  1890,  when  she  was  elected  to  the  office.  At  the 
same  meeting  the  bands  were  put  in  charge  of  M/s.  L.  S.  Landis,  of 
Hollidaysburg,  in  place  of  Miss  Elder,  resigned. 

In  1 89 1  Mrs.  A.  H.  Jolly  was  given  the  care  of  the  work  in  Sab- 
bath-schools, succeeded  by  Mrs.  M.  W.  Thompson,  of  Altoona,  in  1893. 

In  1892  Miss  Hutchinson,  Corresponding  Secretary,  resigned,  and 
Miss  Clara  Bain,  of  Altoona,  was  chosen,  and  remained  in  office  until 
1894,  when  at  the  meeting  in  Bellwood,  that  year,  Mrs.  W.  B.  Miller,  of 
Altoona,  was  elected.  ' 

In  1893  Mrs.  J.  A.  Knight,  of  Lewistown,  was  made  Secretary  of 
Literature. 

At  the  twelfth  meeting,  in  Huntingdon,  1895,  all  of  the  officers  were 
re-elected. 

The  following  financial  statement  has  been  furnished  by  the  Presby- 
terial  Treasurer,  Mrs.  John  M.  Bailey,  who  has  remained  faithfully  at  her 
post  through  all  of  these  changes. 

The  Presbyterial  year  dates  from  October  to  October. 

Cash  from  1S83  to  1895,  paid  to  Treasurer  of  Woman's 

Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions    .    .  Total  .    §20,032  68 

Cash  from   1883  to  1895,  by  special  collections,  for  ex- 
penses of  Presbyterial  Society 547  73 

$20,580  41 

Value  of  boxes,  for  missionaries  and  schools,   1S83  to 

189s 7.014  94 

827,595  3S 

Contributions  in  cash  before  organization 2,122  98 

Value  of  boxes,  in  cash 2,837  27 

4,960  25 

Final  total       S32>555  60 

In  1892  the  society  received  three  hundred  dollars,  by  legacies  and 
gift,  from    Mrs.  Jane  E.  Cunningham,  Mrs.  Annie    Gilfilon,  and  Miss 


360  THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

Sarah  T.  WcAlister,  of  the  Lost  Creek  Church;  and  from  the  Tyrone 
AuxiHarya  legacy  of  five  hundred  dollars,  from  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Harnish. 
The  three  hundred  dollars  from  Lost  Creek  were  applied  to  the  building 
for  the  school  at  Hot  Springs,  North  Carolina,  and  the  five  hundred 
dollars  legacy  from  Tyrone  to  the  building  of  the  chapel  at  Jackson, 
Alaska,  which  is  to  be  named  for  Mrs.  Harnish.  In  1893  the  Alexandria 
Society  paid  a  legacy  of  ninety-five  dollars  left  to  them  by  ]\Irs.  Mary 
Dorris  Shaw,  which  was  applied  to  the  building  fund. 

October,  1S84,  societies,  14;  churches,  4;  Ijands,  7;  Sunday-schools,  4. 
October,  1885,  societies,  23;  churches,  1 ;  bands,  8;  Sunday-schools,  2. 
October,  1895,  societies,  34;  S.  C.  E.,  9;  bands,  19;  Sunday-schools,  7. 

Only  thirty-one  of  the  seventy-six  churches  of  the  Presbytery  are 
represented  in  the  contributions  of  1895,  although  the  auxiliaries  num- 
ber sixty-nine.  Many  of  the  non-contributing  churches  are  weak,  but 
the  Pine  Grove  Society,  numbering  only  four  members,  and  sometimes 
only  two  at  the  monthly  meeting,  by  their  contributions  to  both  home 
and  foreign  missions  shows  what  can  be  done  if  there  be  first  a  "  willing 
mind." 

The  money  and  box  valuations  reported  here  by  no  means  repre- 
sent all  the  contributions  of  the  women  of  Huntingdon  Presbyterj',  for 
scholarships  have  been  sustained,  the  money  for  which  did  not  pass 
through  the  hands  of  the  Presbyterial  Treasurer,  and  boxes  sent  which 
which  were  not  reported  to  her. 

In  these  days  it  would  be  time  wasted  to  discuss  the  ach'antagcs  of 
organization,  for,  as  the  Rev.  Dr.  Maxwell  says,  "  Twenty-five  intelligent, 
earnest  Christian  women  working  methodically  and  systematically  can 
accomplish  more  than  one  hundred  having  neither  plan  nor  concert  of 
effort." 

"  Woman's  work  in  home  mi.ssions"  needs  now  no  apology.  The 
results  speak  for  it.  "  Men  may  come  and  men  may  go,"  but  it  has  come 
to  stay,  as  long  as  it  may  be  ?ieedecl. 

God's  blessing  has  accompanied  it,  not  only  to  those  whom  it  reached 
out  to  help  but  to  the  women  engaged  in  it.  The  gain  to  them  cannot 
be  measured,  and  all  that  they  gave  he  has  given  back  in  full  measure, 
"pressed  down  and  running  over."  It  has  not  only  the  sanction  of  the 
ministers  now,  but  other  boards  and  agencies  of  the  church,  beside  the 
Home  and  Foreign,  are  calling  with  Macedonian  importunity, "  Come 
over  and  help  us." 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  36 1 

It  has  not  hurt  woman's  work  in  foreign  missions,  as  was  feared,  for 
home  missions  are  the  real  support  of  foreign,  and  in  the  upbuilding  of 
the  church  at  home  lies  its  strength.  In  proportion  as  we  lengthen  the 
"  cords"  the  "  stakes"  must  be  strengthened  or  there  will  be  certain 
collapse. 

Among  the  causes  and  influences  that  led  up  to  woman's  work  in 
missions  her  part  in  the  prayer-meeting  might  have  been  mentioned,  as 
not  only  the  secret  oUur  strength  but  the  power  of  the  church  to  accom- 
plish anything  for  Christ  must  be  found  in  prevailing  prayer.  "  The 
first  Christian  church  in  Europe  had  its  origin  in  a  woman's  prayer- 
meeting,  and  now  such  meetings  gird  the  round  earth,"  and  the  answer 
comes  back  in  "  showers  of  blessing." 

Dr.  J.  H.  Mathers  says,  "  In  the  church  of  my  childhood,  Mifflin- 
town  and  Lost  Creek,  the  prayer-meetings  were  always  maintained  by 
the  faithful  women.  Often  no  representative  of  the  other  sex  was  present 
at  all.  The  lot  in  which  our  church  stood,  and  where  the  Presbyterians 
of  that  region  worshipped  for  many  years,  was  the  bequest  to  the  con- 
gregation of  the  zi'idow  of  John  Harris  ;  and  one  of  her  relatives,  subse- 
quently, was  a  pillar  in  the  church, — a  saintly  woman,  who  acted  as 
superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school,  leading  in  prayer,  and  helping  in 
ever>'  way, — Miss  Mary  Bryson.  I  have  no  doubt  that  every  other  con- 
gregation in  the  Presbytery  was  indebted  to  such  faithful,  devout  women. 
We  were  accustomed  to  look  on  '  Aunt  Polly  Bryson'  as  a  saint." 

Woman's  zeal  in  advancing  the  temperance  reform,  which  has  devel- 
oped so  marvellously  in  the  present  age,  and  been  a  help  to  the  churches 
of  all  denominations,  is  well  known.  "  Father  Hunt's"  campaign  through 
the  Presbytery  and  the  "  Sons  of  Temperance"  movement  were  aided  by 
her  quiet  influence  and  voice  at  home  if  not,  as  now,  in  the  public  gath- 
erings. Not  far  from  the  spot  where  the  red  men  of  the  Juniata  reared 
the  "  Standing  Stone"  of  the  tribes  stands  now  the  "  Standing  Stone 
Chapel,"  with  open  doors  and  a  warm  welcome  for  all  the  children  that 
will  enter  to  be  taught  the  way  of  life, — a  testimony  to  the  work  of  three 
young  women  who  began  their  teachings  under  the  trees  on  the  hill-side, 
with  only  the  sky  for  a  roof 

It  is  said  "  the  early  English  Baptists  were  opposed  to  singing  in 
public  worship,  but  some  contended  that  men  only  should  sing,  as  women 
were  to  keep  '  silent  in  the  churches.'  "  Those  days  have  gone,  with  the 
old  things  passed  away,  and  woman  may  teach  in  the  Sunday-school, 
and  sing,  and  even  talk,  if  she  has  a  message ;  but  the  message  she  mnst 


362  THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 

proclaim  is  the  one  given  to  her  by  her  Lord, — "  Go  tell  quickly,  he  is 
risen,  he  is  risen  indeed." 


YOUNG  PEOPLE'S   SOCIETY   OF   CHRISTIAN   ENDEAVOR. 

BY  REV.  HARVEY  GRyEME  FURBAY,  Ph.D. 

Investigation,  as  shown  in  the  following  table,  brings  no  report  of 
an  organization  which  was  distinctly  for  the  young  people  in  the  churches 
of  this  Presbyter)'  previous  to  1874. 

Between  1874  and  1888,  a  period  of  fourteen  years,  we  have  reported 
to  us  but  six  religious  societies  for  young  people  in  our  churches.  The 
first  one  in  point  of  age  was  in  the  Tyrone  First.  It  was  organized  by 
Rev.  S.  M.  Moore,  D.D.,  1874,  after  a  revival,  and  was  simply  a  prayer- 
meeting  for  young  men.  This  was  sustained  for  a  number  of  years,  how 
long  we  have  been  unable  to  learn. 

The  Altoona  Second,  in  1875,  organized  a  young  people's  society, 
but  there  are  no  records  preserved  of  it,  and  we  can  tell  nothing  about  it. 

We  find  that  in  1876  the  Westminster  Church  of  Mifflintown  started 
a  similar  meeting  for  the  young  people,  and  that  was  continued  until 
18S8. 

In  1879,  in  the  Sinking  Valley  Church  at  Arch  Springs,  a  young 
people's  band  was  formed  called  the  Sinking  Valley  Gleaners.  This 
organization  was  for  the  twofold  purpose  of  beneficent  and  benevolent 
work,  and  existed  for  a  number  of  years,  and  has  to  its  credit  the  raising 
of  something  over  seven  hundred  dollars  in  that  rural  district. 

In  1884  one  of  the  most  interesting  societies  of  this  Presbytery  was 
organized  by  James  Macklin  at  McVeytown,  and  was  called  the  Young 
People's  Christian  Association.  Quoting  from  a  published  constitution 
which  they  issued  at  that  time,  "  This  association  has  for  its  object  the 
study  of  the  Bible  and  active  work  in  the  Master's  kingdom,  trusting 
that  the  results  may  be  for  the  general  good  of  the  community  and  the 
spiritual  benefits  of  its  members.  It  is  proposed  to  do  active  work,  first, 
by  furnishing  Bibles  or  Testaments  free  to  those  who  wish  them,  yet 
who  cannot  afford  to  purchase ;  also  religious  newspapers  and  other 
religious  literature;  second,  by  providing  the  deserving  poor  of  the 
communitj'  with  the  needed  comforts  of  life.  We  desire  to  do  this  work 
quietly  and  inobtrusively,  and  hope  thus  to  reach  those  who  otherwise 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON.  363 

could  not  be  approached;  should  you  know  of  any  such,  please  notify 
the  president  or  secretary  of  the  association."  This  society  seems  to 
have  been  the  nearest  approach  to  the  Young  People's  Society  of  Chris- 
tian Endeavor,  and  was  eminently  successful  in  the  work  which  it  carried 
on  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Macklin  in  McVeytown.  This  society 
existed  until  it  was  merged  into  the  Christian  Endeavor  Society  in  1891. 

The  next  society  for  young  people  was  organized  in  the  First  Church 
of  Altoona  in  1886,  called  the  Young  People's  Society.  It  might  be 
mentioned  in  the  Alexandria  Church  there  was  a  Young  Men's  League, 
designed  for  special  work  of  young  men  along  Christian  lines,  but  the 
date  was  not  given  us  in  the  data  furnished. 

In  1887,  also,  the  Philipsburg  Church  organized  a  prayer-meeting 
for  young  people.  And  with  these  notices,  of  all  the  churches  in  our 
Presbytery  with  whom  we  had  communication,  these  few  alone  had  any 
organized  work  for  young  people  previous  to  the  Young  People's  Society 
of  Christian  Endeavor.  Of  course,  in  making  this  statement,  we  presume 
that  all  understand  that  we  have  knowledge  of  the  existence  of  the 
Sunday-schools,  but  young  people's  work,  as  it  is  now  understood,  is  a 
branch  of  activity  distinct  and  apart  from  Sunday-school  work. 

Probably  the  most  important  of  the  young  people's  societies  which 
obtain  in  this  Presbytery  is  the  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian 
Endeavor.  I  have  made  careful  inquiry  to  learn,  if  possible,  in  what 
church  the  first  Christian  Endeavor  Society  was  organized.  According 
to  the  replies  of  the  various  societies  and  churches  which  I  have  at  hand, 
the  society  in  the  Lewistown  Church  is  the  oldest  in  the  Presbytery, 
having  been  organized  in  September,  1887,  by  Miss  Mary  J.  Elder,  now 
Mrs.  William  G.  Brinton,  of  Oxford,  Pennsylvania.  She  writes  me  say- 
ing that,  to  the  best  of  her  knowledge,  the  facts  concerning  the  organi- 
zation of  this  society  are  as  follows :  She  had  been  visiting  in  Oxford, 
Pennsylvania,  her  present  home,  and  there,  for  the  first  time,  saw  a  Chris- 
tian Endeavor  Society.  She  came  home  and  told  her  pastor,  the  Rev. 
John  Gourley,  of  her  impressions  concerning  the  work  and  possibilities 
of  this  organization,  and,  after  a  conference  with  a  number  of  the  young 
people,  it  was  determined  to  institute  such  an  organization  in  the  Lewis- 
town  Church,  which  was  done  on  the  above-named  date.  Whatever 
credit  or  honor  is  due  for  the  introduction  of  this  organization  in  this 
Presbytery  seems  to  belong  to  this  church,  this  young  lady,  and  this 
pastor. 

The  next  society  was  organized  at  Huntingdon,  February  4,  1888, 


364  THE   CENTEA'XIAL   ANNIVERSARY. 

by  Dr.  Freeman.  Then  followed  the  one  at  Mifflintown,  February  17, — 
Emma  Hayes  has  the  distinction  of  having  originated  this  one.  The 
next  at  Tyrone,  February  27,  by  their  pastor,  Dr.  Davies. 

There  were  some  four  or  five  societies  organized  in  the  year  of  1889, 
but  of  the  fifty-seven  societies  now  as  reporting  to  me,  by  far  the  largest 
number  of  them  were  organized  during  the  years  of  1891  and  1892. 
And  since  1892  there  have  been  but  seven  societies  organized. 

The  origin,  growth,  and  development  to  the  present  date  of  young 
people's  work  within  our  churches  in  this  Presbj-tery  is  indicated  in  the 
appended  table.  Aside  from  the  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian 
Endeavor,  we  have  but  two  other  accredited  organizations  for  young 
people,  excepting  the  Mission  Bands, — namely,  the  Boys'  Brigade  and  the 
Brotherhood  of  Andrew  and  Philip.  The  Brotherhood  of  Andrew  and 
Philip  was  first  organized  in  this  Presbytery  at  Philipsburg  by  the  Rev. 
H.  F.  Means,  March  16,  1894.  The  need  fcr  this  organization  seemed 
to  be  felt  after  special  meetings  had  been  held  during  the  winter  of 
1893  and  1894,  which  resulted  in  an  addition  to  the  church  of  quite  a 
number  of  young  men  and  older  boys.  A  desire  had  been  expressed 
on  the  part  of  some  for  a  young  men's  prayer-meeting.  This  organized 
with  thirty-three  active  members.  The  brotherhood  has  maintained  a 
regular  weekly  prayer  service  on  Friday  evening,  and  holds  several  open- 
air  meetings  during  the  summer. 

The  Boys'  Brigade  existing  in  the  Second  Church  of  Altoona  seems 
to  be  the  first  one  organized.  This  was  done  April  i,  1895,  by  Rev.  H. 
H.  Stiles. 


YOUNG  PEOPLE'S  WORK,  ROLL  OF  MINISTERS  AND 

LICENTIATES,  AND   LIST  OF  STATED   CLERKS 

OF   HUNTINGDON   PRESBYTERY. 


36s 


366  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 

GrmL'th  and  Development  of  Young  People' s  M'ork  in  Huntingdon  Presbytery. 


Church. 


Date  of  Organization. 


Organizer. 


Membership. 


Organized.       Present. 


Academia  .  . 
Alexandria  .  . 
Allensville  .  . 
Altoona  Broad 
Altoona  First  . 
Altoona  jamala 
Altcona  Second 
Alloona  Third 
Ansonville  ,  . 
Arch  Springs  . 
Bedford  .  .  . 
Bellefonte  .  . 
Belleville  .  .  . 
Bellwood      .    . 

Birmingham     . 


Birmingham  Mt.  Seminary 

Clearfield  

Clearfield  Pme  Grove      .    . 
Coal  port 


August  27,  1892. 

Januar)'  20,  1892. 

March  21,  1893. 

March  13,  1893. 

April  I,  1891. 

January  I,  1892. 

May  10,  1S89. 

February  2,  1S90. 

1S90. 

March  30,  1 890. 

February,  1892. 
\  18SS  (?). 

April  3,  1892. 
\  Maich,  1890. 

February  23,  1890. 

January,  1890. 

1891. 

1892. 


Curwensville 

Duncansville 

Eden  Valley 

Everett      , 

Groona 

Hart's  Log  Valley  .    .    .    , 

Hermoor 

HoUidaysburg 

Houtzdale 

Huntingdon , 

Huntingdon  West  Chapel  , 

Kylertown 

Lemont 

Lewistown 

Little  Valley 

Madera 

Mapleton 

Martinsburg 

McAlister\'ille 

McCulloch's  Mills  .    .    . 

McVeytown 

MIfflintown 


December  I,  1889. 
October,  1893. 
December,  189 1. 
November  10,  1889 
August  26,  1892. 


C.  S.  McLaughlin. 
Rev.  Jolly. 
Rev.  S.  S.  Bergen. 
Session. 
J.  W.  Bain. 
Rev.  E.  Lcwey. 
A.  \V.  .Spooner. 
Rev.  J.  E.  Irvine. 

Rev.  J.  J.  Coale. 
Rev.  J.  M.  Bamett. 
J.  \V.  Gephart. 
John  T.  Wilson. 
Dr.  W.  H.  Morrow. 

H.  H.  Henry. 

H.  H.  Henry. 
Dr.  McKinley. 
Dr.  McKinley. 


Rev.  Charles  Herron. 
Rev.  A.  L.  Latham. 
H.  H.  Henr>-. 
Edna  McKean. 


January  22,  1890. 
February  4,  1888. 


Disbanded. 
Rev.  A.  A.  Bird. 
Dr.  Freeman. 


November,  1894. 


September,  1887. 
1892. 

July,  1894. 
November  3,  1893. 


Milesburg     .  .  . 

Mount  Union  .  . 
Newton  Hamilton 

Orbisonia       .  .  . 

Osceola  Mills  .  . 

Petersburg    .  .  . 

Philipsburg  .  .  . 


January  10,  1892. 
January  25,  1891. 
February  17,  1889. 

March  18,  1892. 
November  4,  1892. 
March  4,  189I. 
July,  1890. 
January,  1891. 
June,  1891. 
July  24,  1892. 


Mary  T.  Elder. 
Alice  Singler. 
Rev.  J.  E.  Giffin. 
J.  G.  Hicks. 


Port  Royal April,  1891. 

Reedsville January  29,  1893. 

Shirleysburg 189 1. 

Spruce  Creek October,  1892. 

State  College August,  1889. 

Tyrone February  27,  1888. 

Watcrioo September  18,  1892. 

Water  Street 

Williamsburg August  28,  1891. 


James  Macklin. 
Emma  Hays. 

Laura  Wright. 


Huntingdon  C.  E. 


N.  H.  Miller,  D.D. 
Rev.  A.  F.  Taylor. 


Rev.  R.  M.  Campbell 

Rev.  A.  H.  Parker. 

Rer.  D.  H.  Campbell. 

W.  D.  Guth. 
J  John  Hamilton,  1 
(  George  C.  Bulz.  / 

Dr.  Davies. 

J.  F.  Diener. 


J.  J.  Irvine. 


17 
19 
34 
22 
20 
20 
48 

13 
15 
II 

26 


15 
40 

»S 

3' 
21 


22 

57 


40 

12 
18 
63 


16 
26 


33 
28 

3' 
II 

IS 
30 
26 

27 
26 


25 
6 


14 


92 

71 
40 

45 
60 

50 
75 
S6 
35 
81 
40 
75 

25 

35 
18 
80 
35 

35 
32 

13 
46 


40 
87 


58 
40 

24 
los 


56 
88 

33 

49 
72 
89 
54 
80 

65 
los 

73 
67 

34 
45 

58 

121 

45 

53 


OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 
Tabulated  by  Harvey  Grame  Furbay,  Ph.D. 


367 


Junior  Christian  Endeavor. 


Other  Societies. 


Organized. 

By  whom. 

Organized. 

Remarks. 

j'893 

Mrs.  J.  B,  Turner. 

*  „*„  -' 

Young  Men's  League. 

1893 


1890      !  Dr.  Spooner. 
Yes         Dr.  Spooner. 


1895 
1893 

1892 


Yes 
1892 


'893 


1886 
1875 


Young  People's  Society. 

Young  People's  Soc,  Boys'  Brigade. 

Sinking  Valley  Gleaners,  S700. 


IS90  :  Young  People's  Society, 


Mrs.  J.  H.  Mathers, 
f   Miss  G.  Woodcock,  1 
\  Miss  Ida  Copely.       J 


Senior  Chris.  Endeavor. 


Young  People's  Prayer-Meeting. 


Mrs.  Mays. 


1S94 


Young  People's  Society. 


February,    1884    Young  People's  Christian  Association. 


Margaret  Campbell. 


1876 


Until  188S  Young    People's    Prayer- 
Meeting. 


1887  (?)         I  Young  People's  Prayer- Meeting,  An- 
drew and  Philip. 


"     " 



"893 

1874 

Young  People's  Prayer-Meeting. 

1894 

Senior  Chris    Endeav<ir. 

368 


THE  CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


The  Roll  of  Ministers  and  Licentiates  of  the  Presbytery  of  Hunt- 


When  Received. 


By  what  Presbytery 
Licensed. 


When  Licensed. 


I 

2 

3  \ 
4 

5 
6 

7 
8 

9 

10 

II 

12 

13 
14 
15 
i6 

17 
i8 

>9 

20 
21 
22 

23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 

33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 

41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 

47 


John  Hoge 

James  Martin 

Hugh  Magill 

Matthew  Stephens  .  .  . 
Hugh  Morrison  .... 

John  Bryson 

Isaac  Grier 

James  Johnslon  .... 
John  Johnston    .... 

David  Bard 

David  Wiley 

Asa  Dunham 

John  B.  Paiteison  .  .  . 
Alexander  McUwaine    . 

John  Coulter 

William  Stew.irt  .  .  . 
James  Simpson  .... 
Henry  R.  Wilson,  D.D. 
Matthew  Brown,  D.D.  . 
John  Hutchison  .  .  . 
Thomas  Hood  .... 
James  Lynn,  D.D.  .  . 
William  Kennedy  .  .  . 
James  Galbraiih  .  .  . 
William  A.  Boyd  .  .  . 
Nathaniel  R.  Snowden 
James  Thompson  .  .  . 
James  S.  Woods,  D.D.  . 

Samuel  Hill 

John  Mcllhinny ,  .  .  . 
William  Ramsey  .  .  . 
Joseph  B.  Adams   .    .    . 

Samuel  Swan 

Samuel  liryson    .... 

John  Peebles 

John  Vandeveer     .    .    . 

George  Gray 

William  I'.  Cochran  .  . 
Garry  Bishop  .... 
James  H.  Stewart  .  .  . 
lames  F.  Irvine  . 


George  D.  Porter,  D.D. 
John  Fleming,  D.D. 
.Samuel  Wilson,  D.D.  . 
William  Reed  .... 
Brit'on  E.  Collins  .  .  . 
David  McKinney,  D.D. 


April  14,  1795 
April  14,  1795 
April  14,  1795 
April  14,  1795 
April  14,  1795 
April  14,  1795 
April  14,  1795 
Ajiril  14,  1 795 
April  14,  1795 
April  14,  1795 
April  14,  1795 
April  10,  1799 
Oct.  I,  1799. 
Jan.  2,  1799. 
April  21,  iSoi. 
April  21,  1801. 
Oct.  6,  1801. 
Oct.  G    1802. 
Nov.  10,  1 801. 
Oct.  3,  1803. 
April  16,  1805. 
June,  1S09. 
April  17,  1810. 
Oct.  I,  1816. 
Nov.  ig,  1S16. 
Oct.  7,  181S. 
Feb.  3,  1S19. 
October,  1819. 
Oct.  2,  1821. 
April  2,  1S22. 
April  I,  1S23. 
April  I,  1823. 
Oct.  7,  1823. 
Oct.  5,  1S24. 
June  -I,  1825. 
June  21,  1825. 
Oct.  4,  1825. 
Oct.  4,  1825. 
Oct.  II,  1826. 
Oct.  26,  1827. 
June  II,  1S28. 
April  7,  1829. 
Oct.  7,  1829. 
Oct.  7,  1829. 
Oct.  7,  1829. 
April,  1830. 
October,  1 830. 


Route,  Ireland. 
Carlisle. 
Carlisle. 
Donegal. 

Donegal. 
New  Castle. 


New  Castle. 
New  Castle. 


Carlisle 
Carlisle. 
Huntingdon. 
New  Castle. 
Carlisle. 


Redstone. 
New  Castle. 
Carlisle. 

Northumberland. 
New  Brunswick. 


In  Ireland. 

Huntingdon, 

Huntingdon. 

Philadelphia. 

Huntingdon. 


Dutch  Reformed  Ch. 

In  Ireland. 

Huntingdon. 

Phihidelphia. 

Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Philadelphia. 


Oct.  8,  1789. 
Dec.  21,  179I. 
Oct.  II,  1783. 

1777- 

April  10,  1793. 


Oct.  3,  1804. 
October,  1 80S. 
—  1S08. 


October,  1S18. 


April  5,  1826. 
Oct.  12,  1826. 

June  12,  1827. 


Oct.  II,  1827. 


Oct.  3,  1832. 
Oct.  3,  1832. 
April  5,  1831. 
Oct.  3,  1832. 
April,  1828. 


OF   THE   PRESS  YTER  Y  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


369 


ingdon,  from  its  Organization,  April  14,  i^gs,  to  April  14,  i8gs- 


By  what  Presbytery 
Ordained, 

When  Ordained. 

When  Dismissed. 

When  Deceased. 

February  11,  1807. 
June  20,  1795. 
Sept.  14,  1S05. 
May,  1S25, 
.Sept.  15,  1804. 
Aug.  1S55;  set.  98. 
August  23,  1S14. 
January  4,  1820. 
Dec.  16,  1823. 
March  12,  1S15. 

1825. 

Carlisle. 
Carlisle. 
Carlisle. 
Donegal. 

17S7  or  17SS. 

December  22,  1790. 
April  9,  1794. 
August  19,  17S4. 

Org.  N.'P.',  Oct.,  181 1'. 
Org.  N.  P.,  Oct.,  iSil. 

Donegal. 

Carlisle. 

New  Brunswick. 

June  16,  1779. 
April  9,  1794. 

Baltimore,  April,  1801. 
To  N'thum'land,  1811. 

Huntin<Tdon. 

December  4,  1799. 
November  6,  1799. 
August  II,  iSoi. 
October  7,  l8oi. 
1 

Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Belfast. 

June  22,  1834. 
March  30,  184S. 

Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 

April  20,  1803. 
April  21,  1S02. 
April  6,  1S06. 
October  2,  1805. 
April,  iSio. 
October  3,  iSlo. 

iSlo. 

April  2,  1817. 

October  3,  1809. 
March  26,  1805. 

Nov.  II,  1844. 

Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 

March  17,  1848. 
Feb.  23,  1868. 

March  28,  1858. 

October  1,  1822. 

Huntingdon. 

April  5,  1820. 

May  11,  1823. 

Huntingdon. 

April  6,  1819. 
April  20,  1820. 
October  3,  1821. 

October  8,  1830. 

Huntingdon. 

June  29,  1862. 

Huntingdon. 

October  10,  1827. 
October  6,  1830. 

October  11,  1827. 
May  I,  1833. 
April  7,  1824. 

Huntingdon. 

June  22,  1825. 
October  S,  1825. 

April  I,  1828. 

1849. 

October  II,  1827. 

1857. 

Huntin^rdon. 

October  12,  1826. 

Philadeliihia. 

February  27,  1S29. 

November  26,  1828. 
November  27.  1833. 
October  24,  1832. 
November  14,  1832. 
May,  1833. 
June,  1830. 

Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 

April  12,  1843. 

1894. 

.Sept.  I,  1889. 
August  12,  1834. 
April  12,  1876. 

Huntingdon. 

24 


370 


THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


Ministers. 


4S 
49 
50 
51 
52 
S3 
54 
55 
56 
57 
5S 
59 
60 
61 
62 

63 
64 

65 
66 

67 
68 
69 
70 

7» 
72 

73 

74 
75 
76 

77 
78 
79 
80 
81 
82 

83 
84 

85 
86 

87 
88 

89 
90 

91 
92 

93 
94 
95 
96 

97 
98 

99 
100 

lOI 

102 


When  Received. 


William  Annan 

James  Nourse 

Alexander  McKeehan   .    . 

David  Sterrett 

Thomas  Keating    .... 

James  Omstead 

McKnight  Williamson  .    . 

Joshua  Moore 

Robert  Craig  Galbraith 
Matthew  B.  Hope,  D.D.    . 

B.  H.  Carroll 

Moses  Floyd 

Samuel  M.  Cooper     .    .    . 
Andrew  Jardine      .... 

William  Adam 

William  J.  Gibson,  D.D. 
Daniel  L.  Huohes,  D.D. 
William  M.  Hall  ... 
William  J.  Murphy  .  . 
John  W.  Harlett  .  .  . 
Peter  Hassinger  .  .  . 
Matthew  Allison  .  .  . 
Samuel  N.  Howell  .  . 
Robert  Hamill,  D.D.  . 
Samuel  H.  McDonald  . 
Miles  T.  Mcrvine  .  .  . 
Geo.  W.  Thompson,  D.D. 
James  Smith 

Israel  W.  Ward 

George  Elliott 

Silas  Hazlett 

James  H.  Orbison,  Sr.   .    . 

Samuel  Lawrence  .... 

James  J.  Hamilton     .    .    . 

William  S.  Garihwaite  .    . 

James  Campbell      .... 

John  Elliott 

William  S.  Morrison      .    . 

David  X.  Junkin,  D.D.     . 

Thomas  Stevenson     .    .    . 

Oliver  O.  McClean,  D.D. 

Albert  B.  Clark 

F.  A.  Pratt 

Nathan  Shotwell    .    .    .    . 

George  W.  Shaiffer    .    .    . 

Richard  Curren 

Thomas  P.  .Speers  .... 

S.  S.  Orris,  Ph.D.,  L.H.D. 

Noah  A.  McDonald,  D.D. 

A.  Miller  Woods    .    .    .    . 

Wm.  Alexander,  D  D.  .    . 

Samuel  Gamble  .... 

Robert  Fleming  Wilson     . 

Samuel  T.  Thompson    .    . 

Joseph  H.  Mathers,  D.D. 


Nov.  24,  1S30. 
June  8,  1831. 
Oct.  2,  1832. 
April  3,  1833. 
April  3,  1S34. 
Oct.  31,  1834. 
June  15,  1835. 

1S35. 

Sept.  30,  1S35. 
April  7,  1S33. 

1837. 

June  14,  1837. 
April,  1840. 
April,  1842. 
May,  1842. 
October,  1842. 
October,  1S43. 
April,  1S44. 
October,  1S44. 
Oct.  I,  1844. 
June  24,  1S45. 
June,  1S45. 
June  24,  1845. 
May,  1846. 
May,  1846. 
April,  1S47. 
April,  1847. 
October,  1 846. 
April,  1849. 
June,  1849. 
Oct.  3,  1849. 
June,  1S50. 
June,  1850. 
October,  1S50. 
June,  1852. 
October,  1S52. 
Nov.,  1852. 
June,  1853. 
October,  1S53. 
April,  1S54. 
June,  1S54. 
October,  1854. 
April,  1S55. 
April,  1855. 
April,  1S55. 
October,  1855. 
Nov.,  1855. 
Oct.  7,  1851. 
April  12,  1852. 
Oct.  6,  1852. 
Oct.  7,  1852. 
April  12,  1853. 
April  13,  1S53. 
April  II,  1854. 
June  13,  1854. 


By  what  Prcsbyterj' 
Licensed, 


When  Licensed. 


Washington,  D.  C. 


New  Castle. 
Huntingdon. 


Carlisle. 
Detroit. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 


Philadelphia. 
Huntingtion. 
Northumberland,  Eng. 
Relif,  Glasgow,  Scot. 
Philadelphia. 
West  Jersey. 


Philadelphia. 
Huntingdon. 


Gla.'^gow,  Scotland. 

New  York. 

New  Yiirk,  First. 

New  Brunswick. 

New  York  Association, 

New  Brunswick. 

Huntingdon. 

Ohio. 

New  Lisbon. 


October,  1831. 
April  9,  1835. 


Oct.  6,  1836. 
Oct.  4,  1833. 


April,  1835. 
April  16,  1840. 
October,  1833. 

October,  1831. 
April,  1S43. 


1843. 

June  24,  1845. 


October,  181 7. 

1844. 

April,  1845. 
April,  1834. 

1839. 

October,  1838. 
October,  1846. 
April,  1845. 
May,  1848. 


Huntingdon. 

Philadelphia. 

Northumberland. 

Elizaliethtown. 

New  Brunswick. 

New  Lisbon. 

Newry,  Ireland. 

Philadelphia. 

Ohio. 

Carlisle. 

Carlisle. 

Middlesex  Asso.,  Conn. 

Ohio. 

Washington. 

Philadelphia. 

Ballybay. 

Ilunlingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 


Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 


June,  1850. 
April,  1823. 
Feb.,  1842. 
April,  1848. 
August,  1828. 
April,  1852. 
July,  1849. 
October,  1 833. 
June,  1845. 
April,  1843. 
April,  1841. 
July,  1843. 
April,  1835. 
April,  1847. 
October,  1836. 
July,  1853. 
June,  1865. 

Oct.  8,  1856. 


June  14,  1S54. 
Oct.  3,  1S54. 
June  14,  1854. 


OF  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


371 


By  what  Presbytery 
Ordained. 


When  Ordained. 


When  Dismissed. 


When  Deceased. 


Philadelphia. 


New  Castle. 
Huntingdon. 


October,  1S32. 

November  S,  1837. 


October  30,  1835. 


Carlisle. 

Detroit. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 


1S23. 


Janu.try  27,  1837. 


Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Northumberland,  Eng. 
Dumfries,  Scotland. 
Philadelphia. 
Huntingdon. 


Huntingdon. 


Glasgow,  Scotland. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

New  Brunswick. 

Erie. 

Northumberland . 

Clarion. 

New  Lisbon. 

Huntingdon. 


June  14,  1S37. 
October,  1S40. 
May,  1834. 


February,  1832. 
January  9,  1844. 


'.i 


October,  1844. 


Huntingdon. 

Philadelphia. 

Northumberland. 

Elizabethtown. 

Redstone. 

Huntingdon. 

Northumberland. 

Newton. 

Ohio. 

Carlisle. 

Blairsville. 

Middlesex  Asso.,  Conn. 

Ohio. 

Ohio. 

West  Jersey. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 


August,  1818. 
June  24,  1845. 
May,  1846. 
October,  1835. 
June,  1845. 
February,  1840. 
September  I,  1847. 
October,  1845. 
June,  1849. 


June,  1850. 
November,  1824. 
October,  1844. 
October,  1849. 
October,  1 830. 
November,  1852. 
November,  1852. 
May,  1835. 
June,  1S46. 
November  4,  1S44. 
January,  1S42. 
July,  1S44. 
Octuber,  1S37. 
June,  1848. 
December,  1839. 
December,  1S58. 
May,  1866. 
April  II,  1S60. 


Transferred  1870. 


Transferred  1870. 


April  10,  1855. 

April,  1^59. 


Redstone. 

Northumberland. 

Huntingdon. 


'  November,  1 856. 
'  June  4,  1874. 
I  October,  1856. 


October  6,  184 1. 
October  4,  1S42. 


October,  1862. 
April  13,  1858. 
April  13,  1858. 
April,  1 86 1. 

December,  i860. 


June  9,  1857. 

April  9, . 

April,  1866. 
September  20,  1859. 

April  9,  1873. 


October  2,  1889. 


July  5,  1S54. 

1844. 

June  21,  1871. 
February  15,  1838. 

March  21,  1893. 
April  15,  1854. 


July  19,  1884. 

July,  i860. 

May  15, '68;  set.  82. 


October,  1883. 
Aug.  28,  1851. 

July,  1872. 

January  18,  1895. 
1864. 


1895. 

April  19,  1869. 
August  31,  1875. 
February  19,  1S86. 


March  18,  1858. 
April  22,  18S0. 
February  10,  1S67. 

October  7,  1S63. 


372 


THE   CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY 


Mioisters. 


When  Received. 


D 


D. 


103  Joseph  H.  Barnard,  D.D. 

104  David  J.  Beale,  D.D. 

105  1  James  A.  Reed,  D.D. 

106  \  Daniel  W.  Kisher,  D.D 

107  Edward  E.  Keams 

108  James  H.  Orbison  , 

109  Samuel  T.  Wilson,  D 
no    Ricliard  H.  Morrow 

111  John  Moore     .    .    . 

112  ;  John  M.  Galloway 

113  I  N.  S.  Conklin     .    . 

114  John  W.  White  .    . 

115  James  Williamson  . 

116  Samuel  T.  Lowne,  D 

117  George  W.  Zahnizer 

118  j  L.  L.  Haughawout 

119  Samuel  M.  Moore,  D 

120  '  Miles  Cooper  Wilson 

121  G.  Van  Arsdalen    . 

122  i  W.  G.  E.  Agnew    . 

123  John  B.  Strain     .    . 

124  Robt.Braden  Moore, 

125  J.  A.  Patterson   .    . 

126  David  H.  Barron,  D, 

127  John  P.  Clark     .    . 

1 28  W.  A.  Hooper    .    . 

129  Orr  Lawson,  D.D. 

130  I  Oscar  A.  Hills,  D.D. 

131  ;  J.  A.  McGinley  .    . 

132  '  William  B.  McKee 

133  William  M.  Burchfield 

134  I  William  C.  Smith  . 

135  I  J.  J.  Halloway    .    . 

136  J.  C.  Mahon    .    .    . 

137  David  Stewart  Banks 

138  Robert  M.  Wallace,  D 

139  W.  C.  Ijams    .    .    . 

140  William  Prideaux  . 

141  William  A.  Fleming 

142  Nathan  Greer  White 

143  John  H.  Clark    .    . 

144  W.  O.  Wright     .    . 

145  John  McKinney 

146  J.  G.  Archer  .    .    . 

147  John  P.  Hudson     . 

148  '  Samuel  J.  Milliken 

149  R.  L.  McCune    .    . 

150  I  John  M.  Linn     .    . 

151  Willi.im  Y.  Brown 

152  ,  S.  C.  McCune     . 

153  Cochran  Forbes  . 

154  Joseph  Waugh,  Ph.D. 

155  Richard  M.  Campbell 

156  R.  J.  Graves,  D.D. 

157  Eugene  H.  Mateer 


By  what  Presbytery 
'  Licensed. 


When  Licensed. 


D.D. 


June  14,  1854. 
[  Oct.  4,  1854. 

April  15,  1S57. 

April  15,  1S57. 

Oct.  6,  1S57. 

June  II,  1850. 

June  24,  1851. 

June  14,  1854. 

April  15,  1857. 

April,  1858. 

June,  1858. 

June,  1858. 

Tune,  1858. 

Dec,  1858. 

June,  1859. 

Oct.  5,  1859. 

Dec.  6,  1859. 

April  10,  i860. 

June,  i860. 

October,  i860. 

October,  i860. 

Dec  ,  i860. 

June,  i860. 

October,  1861. 

October,  1 86 1. 

October,  1861. 

June,  1862. 

Nov.  25,  1862. 

April,  1S61. 

Nov.,  1862. 
'  January,  1863. 
j  April,  1863. 

June,  1863. 
I  June,  1863. 
;  Nov.,  1863. 
j  April  12,  1864. 

June  13,  1864. 
,  August,  1864. 

August,  1864. 

October,  1864. 

October,  1864. 

June,  1864. 

April  II,  1865. 

June,  1865. 

April,  1866. 

April,  1866. 

April,  1866. 

May  30.  1866. 
;  May,  1866. 
i  May,  1866. 


June,  1857. 
October,  1867. 
1867. 


Huntingdon.        '  I  April,  1859. 

Huntingdon.  ; 

Huntingdon.  April  15,  1858. 

Huntingdon.  April  14,  1859. 

Huntingdon.  June,  1S64. 

Huntingdon.  | 

Huntingdon.  I  June  24,  1851. 
Huntingdon.  June  14,  1854. 

Washington.  '  April,  1845. 

Newton.  1-833. 

Blairsville.  I  April,  1854. 
Carlisle.  October,  1S20. 

Ohio.  Januar)',  1856. 

Erie.  1851. 

Huntingdon.  May  30,  1866. 

Philadelphia,  Second.       April  19,  1859. 
Huntingdon.  April  12,  i860. 


Chartiers  Asso.,  Presb. 
Redstone. 
Huntingdon. 
Allegheny  City. 
1  New  Castle. 
Miami. 
Clarion. 
Crawfordsville. 
Huntingdon. 
Allegheny  City. 
Huntingdon. 


1S51. 

:  October,  1859. 

April,  1859. 
I  April,  1857. 


I  April,  1858. 
May,  1861. 
June,  1S61. 

.S58. 

April,  1861. 


Transylvania. 

Carlisle. 

Huntingdon. 

Newton. 

Huntingdon. 


New  Castle 

Ohio. 

New  Castle. 

Philadelphia. 

Baltimore. 

Lexington. 

Huntingdon. 

Carlisle. 

Huntingdon. 

New  Brunswick. 

Madison. 

Philadelphia. 

Washington. 

Huntingdon. 

Winchester. 

Huntingdon. 


1S57. 

1852. 

June,  i860. 
April,  1S51. 
June  13,  1864. 

i 1844- 

October,  1833. 
April,  1857. 


i^.      ff>-l 


1824. 


.ri^ 


■pv.  2i 


I  Dec,  1831. 


;  June,  1855. 
1  May  30,  1866. 

Oct.  15,  1852. 

June,  1838. 

April,  1831. 

April,  1859. 

April  12,  1865. 

October,  1859. 

April  IS,  1874. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


373 


By  what  Presbytery 
Ordained. 


Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 


Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 


Rock  River. 


Allegheny. 


Newton. 

Carlisle. 

Luzerne. 

Huntingdon. 

Erie. 

Carlisle. 

Huntincrdon. 


Carlisle. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Redstone. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Clarion. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Allegheny  City. 

Huntingdon. 


Louisiana. 
Bloomington. 
Huntingdon. 
Redstone. 


When  Ordained. 


When  Dismissed. 


June  12,  lS6o. 
August,  1864. 


April  II,  1S60. 
January,  1866. 


1868. 


October  24,  1879. 


May,  1852. 


June,  1847. 


'^,1823. 
December,  1855. 

1823. 

December  8,  1S58. 

1852. 

June,  1868. 
December  6,  1859. 


1864. 


Withdrew  Sept.  6, 1883. 

April  12,  1864. 
June,  1875. 


1856. 

December,  i860. 
June,  i860. 
May,  1858. 
October,  1^61. 
October,  1 86 1. 
April,  1S59. 
November  25,  1862. 
August,  1862. 

1S59 

January,  1863. 


May,  1859. 

1S57. 

November,  1863. 
June,  1853. 


Deposed  Nov.  Ii,  1868. 

1863. 

October  19,  1866. 
April,  1867. 


1S64. 

December,  1S68. 
1865. 

October,  1868. 

April,  1866. ' 


October  5,  1865. 


1S44. 


Carlisle. 

June  II,  1834. 

Carlisle. 

November,  1S57. 

Huntingdon. 
Wooster. 

June,  1S64. 
1826. 

Huntingdon. 

Lexington. 

Florida. 

June,  1865. 
February,  1S33. 
October,  1S52. 

East  Alabama. 

October,  1856. 

New  Lisbon. 

June  15.  1853. 

Peoria. 

October,  1 840. 

Philadelphia. 
Mississippi. 

October,  1 83 1. 
November,  i860. 

Huntingdon. 
Orange. 

June,  1867. 
November,  i860. 

Hudson. 

June  25,  1874. 

October  5,  1S65. 
October  7,  1884. 


April  12,  1882. 
April  13,  1870. 


June,  1870. 
April  13,  1869. 
April  13,  1870. 


April,  1 87 1. 


When  Deceased. 


August  13,  18S8. 
April,  1865. 
November,  1866. 

April,  1865. 

June  12,  1889. 

October  14,  1895. 
June  15,  1870. 

June  7,  1880. 
March  25,  1892. 

■  1865. 


1 868. 


Sept.  29,  1895. 
September,  1870. 


August  25,  1867. 
January  12,  1865. 


November  5,  1870. 


374 


THE    CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


Ministers. 


When  Received. 


By  what  Presbytery 
Licensed. 


When  Licensed. 


158    William  C.  Kulin 


159 
160 
161 
162 

163 
164 
165 
166 
167 
168 
169 
170 

171 

172 

173 


174 
175 
176 

«77 
178 

179 
180 
181 
182 

183 
184 

185 
186 

187 
188 
189 
190 
191 
192 


J95 
196 

197 
198 
199 
200 
201 
202 
203 
204 
205 
206 
207 
208 


James  P.  Hughes 
Joseph  II.  Fleming 
R.  C.  Bryson  . 
Henry  S.  Butler,  D.D 
John  C.  Wilhelm 
W.  T.  Wylie   .    . 
Thaddeus  McCrea 
Andrew  H.  Parker 
James  J.  Co,ile    . 
G.  W.  Newell     . 
John  H.  Sargent 
Joseph  C.  Kelly 
Samuel  S.  Wallen 
H.  E.  Lipert   .    . 
J.  S.  Roberts  .    . 


D, 


Jacob  V.  R.  Hughes 
Wm.  J.  Chichester,  D 
Stephen  W.  Pomeroy 
L.  B.  W.  Shryock  . 
James  H.  Stewart  . 
James  W.  Boal    .    . 
John  C.  Barr  .    .    . 
Saml.  C.  Alexander 
Thomas  J.  Sherrard 
Thomas  R.  Alexander 
W.  L.  Condit      . 
William  J.  Arney 
Edmund  P.  Foresman 
David  W.  Moore    . 
Richard  Crittenden 
William  Gemmill   . 
John  McKean     .    . 
Nelson  H.  Miller,  D 
John  Laird  .... 

193  j  J.  Nixon  Diament  . 

194  I  William  C.  Alexander 
John  S.  Oliver  .  . 
David  II.  Campbell 
Thomas  A.  Robinson 
William  W.  Campbell 
M.  N.  Cornelius,  D.D. 
N.  A.  liollifield,  D.D. 
J.  M.  Goheen  . 
O.  A.  Kerr  .  . 
William  Laurie,  D.D 
Samuel  W.  Duftield 
George  Chappell  . 
Robert  E.  Fleckinger 
Lysander  T.  Burbank 
Thomas  McNinch  . 

2og    John  R.  Henderson 

210  N.  I'^oster  Brown     . 

211  John  D.  Owen     .    . 

212  J.  Q.  A.  Fullerton  . 


D. 


June,  1868. 
Nov.,  1868. 

1868. 

April,  1869. 
June,  1S69. 
October,  1869. 
Dec.  7,  1869. 
Dec.  7,  1869. 
Dec.  7,  1869. 
April  12,  1S70. 
April  12,  1870. 
April  12,  1870. 
June,  1S70. 
June,  1S70. 
April,  1871. 
April,  1S71. 
June,  1871. 
June,  1S71, 
June,  1 87 1. 
June,  1871. 
August,  1871. 
October,  1871. 
October,  1871. 
October,  1S71. 
October,  1871. 
April  10,  1872. 


Red,stone. 
Luzerne. 


Northumberland. 

New  Brunswick. 

Carlisle. 

Philadelphia  Reformed. 

Tombigbee. 

Huntingdon. 

Baltimore. 

Philadelphia,  Second. 

Philadelphia. 

Huntingdon. 

West  Jersey. 


April,  1S52. 


May  I,  1872. 
June  10,  1873. 
October,  1873. 
October,  1873. 
October,  1873. 


April  15,  1874. 
April  15,  1874. 


April  14,  1875. 
June  18,  1875. 
June  18,  1S75. 
Oct.  26,  1875. 
April  II,  1876. 
April  II,  1876. 
April  II,  1S76. 
June  9,  1874. 
April  12,  1876. 
Dec.  26,  1876. 
Oct.  2,  1878. 
Oct.  2,  1878. 
June  5,  1879. 
April  10,  1879. 
Oct.  21,  1878. 
July  10,  1878. 
April  9,  1879. 
June  10,  1879. 
June  10,  1879. 


New  York. 

New  Brunswick. 

Baltimore. 

Carlisle. 

Transylvania. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Cincinnati. 

Charleston. 

New  Lisbon. 

Huntingdon. 

Newark. 

Huntingdon. 

New  Castle. 

New  Haven  Cong.  As. 

Huntingdon. 

New  York,  Third. 

Kittanning. 

Huntingdon. 


April,  1859. 
April,  1866. 
April,  1861. 
June,  1853. 
October,  1S55. 
Oct.  7,  1868. 
— —  1864. 
April,  1844. 
April,  1856. 

April,  1869. 


Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Redstone. 

Pittsljurg. 


Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Philadelphia. 
Knox. 


Huntingdon. 


Northumberland. 

Washington  City. 

Huntingdon. 

Platte. 

New  Brunswick. 


April,  1870. 

June,  1S65. 
April  21,  1S53. 
June,  1S70. 
Octoiier,  1S70. 
April,  1853. 
April,  i860. 

April  10.  1872. 
June,  1S50. 

June  15,  1S70. 
April,  i860. 
June  8,  1859. 
April  10,  1872. 
April,  1855. 
April  15.  1874. 
April  15.  1874. 


April  14,  1875. 
April  15,  1874. 
June  9,  1874. 
April  9,  1872. 
April,  1859 
April  26,  1S70. 
Oct.  18,  1869. 
June  9,  1874. 
April  12.  1876. 
April  4,  1845. 
April,  1866. 


April  10,  1877. 


April,  1878. 
April  10,  1S72. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


575 


By  what  Presbytery 
Ordained. 

When  Ordained. 

When  Dismissed. 

When  Deceased. 

Huntinf^don, 

June,  iS6S. 
April,  1854. 

Luzerne. 

Northumberland. 

Burlington. 

Carlisle. 

Philadelphia  Reformed. 

Tombigbee. 

Huntingdon. 

Baltimore. 

Philadelphia,  Second. 

Erie. 

Winnebago. 

Huntingdon. 

October,  1859. 
June,  1866. 
December,  1864. 
May,  1855. 
October,  1S56. 
December  7,  1S69. 
April,  1867. 
November,  1846. 
June,  1861. 
February  14,  1S65. 
June,  1S70. 

April  8,  1884.  ■    ■    ■    ■ 
Withdrew  Sept.  7,1883. 
May,  1876. 
April  9,  1873.      .    ■ 

April  13,  1S73. 
Dec.  14,  1882. 

July  12,  1892. 
December,  1872. 
October,  1S80. 

October  9,  1890. 

February  7,  1 888. 
April,  1872. 

July  2,  1S61. 
April,  1S70. 
June,  1871. 
June,  1868. 
November,  1S55. 
August,  1S71. 
October,  1871. 
January,  1856. 
December,  1861. 
June,  1872. 
SeptembA-  24,  1873. 
October  24,  1S50. 
May  I,  1S72. 
June  10,  1873. 
May  5,  1S61. 
August  I,  i860. 
October  9,  1873. 
December  3,  1S56. 
July  9,  1874. 

New  Brunswick. 
Pluntin^don. 

Carlisle. 
Ebenezer. 
Huntmgdon. 
Huntingdon. 

April  14,  1886. 
1874- 

April,  187O. 

April,  1S73. 

Essex  Association. 

October,  1874. 

Huntingdon. 
New  Castle. 

April,  1893. 
September  4,  1883. 

Huntingdon. 

Clarion. 

Huntingdon. 

June  13,  1887. 
April  14,  1886. 
October,  1891. 

April,  1875. 

Huntingdon. 

June  18,  1875. 
June  18,  1875. 
October  26,  1875. 
October,  1859. 
June  14,  1S71. 

1870. 

June  8,  1875. 

June  10,  1884. 

Huntingdon. 

Redstone. 

Pittsburg. 

October  14,  1881. 
February  7,  1882. 

1885. 

March  1,  1882. 

M.irch  31,  1S93. 

Newton. 
Philadelphia. 
Baptist  Conference. 

June  6,  1866. 
June  4,  1866. 
March  2,  1863. 
June  5,  1879. 

October  15,  18S1. 

New  York  Cone   Conf 

Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Westminster. 

October  21,  1878. 
July  10,  187S. 
April  9,  1879. 
June  10,  1879. 
June  4,  1873. 

August  28,  1S90. 

June  II,  1895. 
September  4,  1885. 

December  23,  1884. 

376 


THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


Ministers. 


213  John  J.  Francis,  D.D.    .    . 

214  James  H.  Baird,  D.D.   .    . 

215  Silas  A.  Davenport    .    .    . 

216  George  A.  Landis  ,    .    .    . 

217  George  Benaugh,  D.D. 

218  '  W.  W.  Woodend,  D.D.     . 

219  John  P.  Coyle 

220  George  R.  Scott     .    .    .    . 

221  I  J.  Vernon  Bell 

222  David  Hazel 

223  !  Herbert  D.  Cone    .    .    .    . 

224  '  Kobt.  S.  Hitchcock,  D.D. 

225  Levi  Risher 

226  David  K.  Freeman,  D.D. 

227  C.  M.  Blake 

228  George  S.  Hacket  .    .    .    . 

229  William  Keller  Foster  .    . 

230  Richard  Arthur 

231  I  Preston  Barr 

232  I  Joshua  L.  Russell  .    .    .    . 

233  !  David  W.  Woods,  Jr.    .    . 

234  David  Conway 

235  Milton  C.  Cook 

236  David  W.  Hutchison     .    . 

237  ■  John  K.  Andrews  .    .    .    . 

238  Harvey  .Shaw 

239  ]  J.  Clayton  Garver  .    .    .    . 

240  I  R.  A.  McKinley,  D.D.     . 

241  I  J.  P.  Hays 

242  1  Charles  S.  Dewing     .    .    , 

243  I  John  Gourley 

244  I  H.  B.  Scoit 

245  William  McBeth    .    .    .    , 

246  John  F.  Diener 

247  J.  Horner  Kerr 

248  '  Austin  H.  Jolly 

249  I  Taylor  F.  Ealy,  M.D.    .    . 

250  I  Loyal  Young  Hays    .    .    , 

251  I  Samuel  A.  Cornelius     .    , 

252  I  John  W.  Bain 

253  I  William  Anderson      .    .    . 

254  ;  Charles  E.  Craven      .    .    , 

255  James  H.  Orbison,  Jr.    .    , 

256  ;  Thomas  E.  Barr     ... 

257  I  John  R.  Sansom     .    .    . 

258  '  J.  S.  Woodburn  .... 

259  Joshua  J.  Wolf  .... 

260  I  Edmund  W.  McDowell 

261  I  Charles  Herron  .... 

262  I  Albert  A.  Bird    .... 

263  John  R.  Davies,  D.D.    . 

264  '  Wm.  H.  Schuyler,  Ph  D. 

265  A.  L.  R.  Wailc  .... 

266  John  J.  Rankin  .... 

267  Emil  Lewy 


When  Received. 


Oct.  24,  1879. 
April  9,  1S79. 
April  15,  1S80. 
July  8,  1S80. 
i  Oct.  5,  1880. 
April  12,  1881. 
April  13,  1881. 
Oct.  21,  1881. 
Oct.  6,  1 881. 
Oct.  6,  1881. 
June  20,  1882. 
Oct.  3,  1S82. 
Oct.  3,  1882. 
Oct.  3,  1882. 
Oct.  20,  1882. 

Oct.  3,  1882. 

Oct.  20,  1882. 

Dec  ,  18S2. 

April  10,  1SS3. 

June  12,  18S3. 

Sept.  4,  1883. 

April  8,  1884. 

April  8,  1884. 

June  10,  1884. 

June  10,  1884. 

Oct.  7,  1884. 

Oct.  7,  1884. 

Oct.  7,  1884. 

Oct.  6,  1S85. 

Oct.  6,  1885. 

Oct.  6,  1885. 

June,  1885. 

Oct.  7,  1885. 

April  13,  1886. 

April  13,  l8S6. 

April  13,  18S6. 

April  14,  1886. 
'  April  14,  l8,S6. 
!  June  15,  1SS6. 
i  lune  15,  1S86. 
I  June  15,  1S86. 

Sept.  21,  1886. 
;  Oct.  28,  1 886. 

Oct.  28,  1886. 

April  12,  1887. 

June,  1S87. 

June  13,  1887. 
j  June  30,  1887. 

Oct.  5,  1887. 

Nov.  I,  1887. 
s  Dec.  6.  1887. 
j June  12,  1888. 

June  12,  1 888. 
I  Nov.  13,  1888. 


Uy  what  Presbytery 
Licensed. 


Beaver. 


Newark. 

Huntingdon. 

Chicago. 

Redstone. 

Huntingdon. 


When  Licensed. 


April  29,  1 868. 


April,  1870. 
June  II,  1879. 
April  3,  1 87 1. 
Oct.  5,  1843. 
April  13,  1S81. 


Huntingdon. 
Philadelphia. 
Cleveland. 


June  9,  1S80. 


Ohio. 
Transylvania. 


Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Westminster. 
Kittanning. 


Huntingdon. 

New  York. 

Lackawanna. 

New  York. 

Ohio  Associated  Refd. 

New  York. 

Washington. 

Erie. 

United  Brethren. 

New  Brunswick. 

BlairsviUe. 

New  Albany. 

Baltimore. 

W.  Pa.  Syn.  Ev.  Lu.  Ch. 

Northumberland. 

Clarion. 

Pittsl)urg. 

Warren. 

Wooster. 

U.  P.  Southern  Ind. 


Newark. 

Huntingdon. 

Fort  Wayne. 

New  Brunswick. 

Monongahela  U.  P. 

Saginaw. 

Huntingdon. 

Pittsburg. 

Huntingdon. 

Lackawanna. 

Carlisle. 

Huntingdon. 

Newark. 

New  York. 


April,  1861. 
April  9,  1859. 


June  15,  1S81. 
June  15.  1881. 
June  6,  1871. 
Aug.  5,  iSSo. 


April,  1884. 
May,  1867. 
April  I,  1S77. 
May  14,  1882. 
April  10,  1S49. 
May  I,  1SS2. 
April,  1882. 
April,  1876. 

April,ji 
April  3,  1876. 


1870. 

April  19,  1871. 
April  9,  1879. 

1872. 

January,  1866. 

April,  1859. 

-^'1885'.    ■ 


18S5. 

April  iS.  1S67. 
April,  1S61. 
Oct.  23.  1S8?. 
April  13,  18S6. 

June  15,  1 886. 
Dec.  10,  1883. 

June  12,  1888. 
Feb.  3,  1880. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


377 


By  what  Presbjrtcry 
Ordaiced. 


When  Ordained. 


When  Dismissed. 


When  Deceased. 


Allegheny. 


October  22,  1869. 


June  9,  1885. 


Elizabeth. 
Huntingdon. 
Lehigh. 
Ulairsville. 


April,  1871. 
June  9,  1880. 
June  25,  1873. 
June  14,  1S46. 


April  12,  1881. 
April  15,  1885. 


Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 


Ohio. 
Newton. 


Huntingdon. 

Westminster. 

Winona. 

Miami. 

Philadelphia,  North. 

Lackawanna. 

Congregational  Asso. 
Springfield  As.  Ref.  Py. 
New  York. 
Washington. 
Marion. 


1S59. 

October  6,  18S1. 
October  6,  1881. 
June  20,  1882. 

1844. 

November  11,  1862. 

1862. 


October  3,  1882. 
June  6,  1871. 
April  II,  1S82. 
August  17,  1867. 


August  29,  1884. 
April  10,  1889. 

July  12/1883.  ■   " 

October  7,  1885. 

j  July  iV  1883. 
December  5,  1882. 
December  23,  1884. 

April  9,  18S4. 
I  December  18,  1888. 


April  9,  1 89 1. 


I  November  21,  18.71. 
I  April  I,  1877. 

November  7,  1883. 
'  June,  1852. 

May  7,  i8§2. 

April,  1883. 

April,  1877. 


San  Francisco. 
Kittanning. 

Washetaw. 

Albany. 

W.  Pa.  Syn.  Ev.  Lu.  Ch. 

Carlisle. 

Kittanning. 

Pittsburg. 

Huntingdon. 

U.  P.  Chartiers. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Albany. 

Big  Spring  U.  P. 

Grand  Rapids. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Lackawanna. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Buffalo. 

Huntingdon. 


September,  1868. 
June  6,  1S78. 
—  1S54. 
December,  1881. 

1871. 

M.ay  I,  1873. 
August  5,  1S80. 

1875. 

September,  1867. 
April  14,  1886. 
October,  1861. 
June  15,  1S86. 
June  15,  iS86. 
September  21,  1886. 
October  28,  1886. 
June  16,  1868. 
May,  1864. 
September  29,  1885. 
June  13,  1S87. 
June  30,  18S7. 
October  5,  1S87. 
December  10,  1883. 
December  6,  1887. 
June  12,  18S8. 
November  7,  1883. 
November  13,  18S8. 


April  14,  1886. 


October  i,  1895. 
April  10,  1888. 
April  10,  1888. 
October  I,  1895. 
June  13,  18S7. 
June  5,  1886. 
April  II,  1893. 

June  17,  1886. 

August  27,  1S89. 
August  24,  1893. 


July  9,  1S89. 
October  I,  18 


September  21,  1886. 
June  13,  1887. 
April  15,  1891. 

October  2,  1889. 

July  2,  1894. 
October  7,  1891. 
February  2,  1893. 

October  I,  1889. 
April  12,  1893. 


37S 


THE   CENTENNIAL  ANNIVERSARY 


Ministers. 


When  Received. 


By  what  Presbytery 
Licensed. 


When  Licensed. 


268 
269 
270 
271 
272 
273 
274 
27s 
276 
277 
278 
279 
2S0 
281 
2S2 

283 
284 
28s 
286 
287 
288 
289 
290 
291 
292 
293 
294 
295 
296 
297 
298 

299 
300 
301 
302 
303 
304 
305 
306 

307 
308 

309 
310 
311 


Sylvester  S.  Bergen 
Arthur  W.  Spooner 
Frank  T.  Wheeler 
James  E.  Irvine 
Harry  H.  Henry    . 
Henry  C.  Baskerville 
Edgar  F.  Johnston 
William  A.  Jackson 
T.  S.  Armentrout  . 
James  Heaney    .    . 
Samuel  T.  Lewis    . 
Dallas  V.  Mays  .    . 
William  G.  Finney 
Henry  F.  Means     . 
Joseph  B.  Turner   . 
H.  G.  Furbay,  Ph.D. 
Sylvester  Wylie  Young . 
William  Harrison  Decker 
Abraham  L.  Lathem 
George  B.  Troub    .    . 
William  H.  Woolverton 
Robert  G.  Williams 
J.  Edwin  Giffen  .    . 
David  E.  Craighead 
William  E.  Stewart 
H.  Howard  Stiles  . 
Thomas  McClatchey 
Paul  D.  Gardner    . 
James  M.  Wilson   . 
David  T.  Neely      . 
Henry  Sylvester  Welty 
Howard  N.  Campbell 
William  Gibb .... 
John  Alex.  Macdonald 
George  S.  Bell    .    . 
William  H.  Filson 
F.  A.  Shearer     .    . 
Jacob  C.  Stewart    . 
J.  .M.  Nourse  .    .    . 
William  B.  Noble,  D. 
Alfred  Yomans,  D.D. 
James  Y.  McGinnis 
Thomas  C.  Porter  . 
John  Linn  Milligan 


Nov.  13,  188S. 

April  II,  1889. 
'  July  9,  1889. 
I  Nov.  19,  1889. 
j  Nov.  19,  18S9. 
!  Oct.  7,  1890. 

Oct.  7,  1S90. 

April  12,  1S92. 
I  April  12,  1892. 

April  12,  1892. 

May  5,  1S92. 

July  12,  1S92. 

July  12,  1S92. 

Oct.  5,  1S92. 

Feb.  2,  1893. 
I  April  II,  1S93. 
!  April  II,  1893. 

June  13,  1S93. 
!  June  13,  1S93. 
{  June  21,  1893. 

April  9,  1894. 
!  April  9,  1894. 

April  9,  1894. 

April  9,  1S94. 

April  9,  1894. 

April  9,  1S94. 

July  2,  1S94. 

June  13,  1893. 

June  21,  1S93. 

June  21,  1893. 

Oct.  2,  1894. 

April  9,  1S95. 

April  9,  1S95. 

April  9,  1895. 

April  9,  1895. 


Jan.  3,  1867 
Oct.  7,  1845 


Indianapolis. 
Cayuga. 


Mahoning. 

United  Brethren  Ch. 

Greenbriar. 

Philadelphia. 

Kittanning. 

Shenango. 

Huntingdon. 

Pittsburg. 

Pittsburg. 


Shenango. 
Newton. 
Washington. 
I  Chester. 
New  Brunswick. 


Redstone. 
Kittanning. 


New  Brunswick. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon. 


April,  1872. 
April  II,  1883. 


April  28,  1886. 

May,  1S87. 

1891. 

April,  1SS7. 
April,  1870. 
July  12,  1892. 
April  27,  1886. 
June  II,  18S1. 


April  14,  1887. 


April  10,  1S94. 
April  10,  1894. 
April  10,  1S95. 
Oct.  3,  1894. 


Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 

June  15,  1870. 
June  20,  1865. 
Jan.  9,  1S66. 
April  12,  1865. 
April  12,  1865. 

Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 

May  7,  1844. 
June  II,  1862. 

Note. — In  this  roll  the  date  of  reception  is  the  date  of  licensure  or  ordination,  which 
was  not  always  the  same,  as  some  had  been  candidates  for  some  years  before.  But  it  is 
difficult  to  find  just  when  some  were  received,  as  the  records  had  not  been  indexed. 


OF   THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  HUNTINGDON. 


379 


By  what  Presbytery 
Ordained. 


Indianapolis. 
Chemung. 
Huntingdon. 
Huntingdon. 


West  Chester. 
Allegheny. 


New  Castle. 

Huntingdon. 

Erie. 

Shenango. 

Huntingdon. 

Blairsville. 

Westminster. 

Clarion. 

Huntingdon. 

Albany. 

Huntingdon. 

Chester. 

New  Castle. 


Redstone. 
Redstone. 


Pittsburg. 
Huntingdon. 
Shenango, 
Dubuque. 


Huntingdon. 

St.  Clairsville. 

Fargo. 

Toronto,  Canada. 

Albany. 


Huntingdon. 


When  Ordained. 


November  25,  1872. 
May  13,  1884. 
July  9,  1SS9. 
November  19,  1888. 

1885. 

1881. 

July  12,  1888. 


November,  1887. 
May  5,  1892. 
June  10,  18S8. 
April,  1S71. 
July  12,  1892. 
October  4,  1887. 
June  I,  1SS2. 
April  28,  189I. 
April  12,  1893. 
June  20,  1 888. 
June  13,  1893. 
September  6,  1892. 
October  4,  1883. 

1875. 

May  24,  1892. 
December  7,  1893. 
April  15,  /882. 
June  25,  1889. 
July  2,  1S94. 

1895. 

1895. 


October  3,  1894. 
June  7,  1SS8. 
March  20,  1890. 
April  26,  1S83. 
February,  1876. 


May  29,  1866. 


When  Dismissed. 


April  12,  1893. 
December  12,  1893. 


December  12,  1893. 
April  II,  1895. 


November  9,  1894. 
August  28,  1894. 


January  31,  1895. 
January  31,  1895. 


June  II,  1S95. 
April  10,  1895. 


December  22,  1868. 


When  Deceased. 


The  names  for  the  most  part  follow  in  the  order  the  date  of  year  received.     It  is  possible 
some  have  been  omitted. 


No.  108  is  evidently  a  duplicature  of  No.  79. 


Robert  F.  Wilson,  Slated  Clerk. 


380  THE    CENTENNIAL   ANNIVERSARY. 


STATED  CLERKS. 


The  following  is  the  list  of  the  Stated  Clerks  of  the  Presbytery 
during  the  one  hundred  years,  with  the  time  of  service  rendered  by 
each : 

Rev.  David  Wiley,  elected  October  6,  1796;  died  November,  1800. 

Rev.  John  Johnston,  elected  April  22,  1801  ;  resigned  181 1. 

Rev.  John  Coulter,  elected  181 1  ;  died  June  22,  1834. 

Rev.  John  Hutchison,  elected  October  7,  1834;  resigned  April  9, 
1839. 

Rev.  Joshua  Moore,  elected  April  9,  1839;   resigned  April  10,  1844. 

Rev.  William  J.  Gibson,  D.D.,  elected  April  10,  1844;  resigned  April 

10,  1849. 

Rev.   Robert  Hamill,  D.D.,  elected  April    10,   1849;  resigned  April 

11,  1893. 

Rev.  Robert  F.  Wilson,  elected  April  11,  1893. 

Robert  F.  Wilson,  Stated  Clerk. 


INDEX. 


Note. — Titles  are  omitted  when  initials  are  given. 


Abell,  Dr.,  330. 
Abolitionists,  189. 

Academia    Church,    65,   200-202,   215,    236, 
287. 

School,  loi. 
Act  and  Testament,  i6i. 
Adams,  Jacob,  290. 

Jesse,  283-285. 

Joseph,  69. 

Joseph  B.,  192. 

J.  B.,  244,  2S1. 

L.  C,  82. 

Martin,  1 24. 

M.  R.,  224.  ' 

T.  H.,  306. 

Wm.,  256. 
Africa,  331,  339. 
Africa,  J.  Simpson,  168. 
Airy  Dale,  321. 
Airy  View  Academy,  202. 
Aisquith  Street  Church,  215. 
Aitkens,  James,  220. 

John  T.,  310. 

J.  J-,  220. 
Akers,  John  T.,  165. 
Alaska,  354,  357,  360. 
Alaske  Club,  358. 
,  Albany,  N.  Y.,  233. 
Albany  Presbytery,  181. 
Alexander,  Albert,  193. 

Ann  E.,  47. 

A.  F.,  219. 

David,  47,  201. 

George,  124. 

Henry  P.,  192. 

Hugh,  45,  47,  151,  193,  201,  217,  220. 

James,  69,  149. 

James  H.,  192,  300. 


Alexander,  Jemima,  46. 

John,  124,  215,  249. 

John  E.,  193. 

Margaret,  46. 

Oscar,  192. 

Randall,  249,  250. 

Robert,  294. 

Samuel,  69,  149,  191. 

Samuel  C,  22S,  249,  250. 

Thomas,  69,  149. 

William,  129,  250. 

William  C,  193. 
Alexandria  Church,  61,  62,  98,  99,  105,  107, 
108,  168,  262,  27s,  302,  349,  355,  363. 

Town  of,  63,  105,    106,    159,    161,   225, 

342.  343.  348,  352-355.  360. 
Aley,  Samuel,  301. 
Alhambra,  Calif.,  222. 
Alleghany  College,  144. 

Mountains,  63,  159. 

Presbytery,  121. 

River,  159. 

Seminar)',  116,  199,  269. 
Allen  family,  99. 

Harry,  312. 

Martha  A.,  207. 

Mrs.  R.  H.,  358- 

R.  H.,357. 

Sarah,  318. 

W.  J.,  113. 
AUender  family,  54. 
Allensville  Church,  285,  286,  321. 

Town  of,  286. 
Allison,  David,  307. 

Mary,  342. 

Matthew,  102,  197,  198,  2S9. 

Mrs.  William,  307. 

Robert,  69,  149. 

381 


382 


INDEX. 


Allison,  Robert  K.,  286. 
Alman,  Ur.,  315. 
Alrich  family,  99. 
Altoona  City  Hall,  112. 

Fifth  Church  of,  no. 

First  Church  of,  31,  108,  109-111,  115, 
117,  119,  121,  164,  188,  310,  335,  354, 

356,  357.  363- 
Fourth  Church  of,  no. 
Reformation  Memorial,  115- 
Second  Church  of,  31,  109-111,  114,  n  6, 

117,    119,    120,   175,  222,    311,    335, 

354.  357.  362,  364- 
Third  Church  of,  no,  115,  117-120,  175, 
312. 
Altoona,  Pa.,  loS,  in,  n9,  175,  177,  193. 
195,  222,  270,  328,  333,  339,   348,  352- 

354.  35S,  359- 
American  Sunday-School  Union,  192,  299. 
Amesville,  Pa.,  167,  325. 
Anderson,  Ann  E.,  295. 

Charles  A.,  177. 

E.  L.,215. 

family,  99. 

James,  214. 

Thomas,  45. 

William,  147,  157. 

W.  Y.,  176,  177. 
Annan,  Wm.,  1S7,  188,  284. 
Ansonville  Baptist  Church,  157. 

Church,  157. 
Ansonville,  Pa.,  156. 
Antietam,  Md.,  80,  102. 
Appleby,  Alec,  242. 

A.  M.,  376. 

John,  241,  242,  246. 

Thos.  A.,  223,  224,  315,  329. 
Appomattox,  102. 
Arbutus  Mission  Band,  n8. 
Archer,  James  G.,  142,  143. 
Archey,  Johnson,  228,  319. 
Arch  Springs,  Pa.,  63,  305,  306,  334,  336,  362 
Ard,  Joseph,  45,  47. 
Ardery,  James,  259. 
Armentraut,  T.  .S.,  269. 
Armitage,  Caleb,  168. 
G.  Barton,  170. 
Isaac,  169. 
Armstrong  family,  60. 


Armstrong,  George  F.,  113,  115,  119. 
Isaac,  285. 

John,  41,  159,  160,  201. 
Laura,  322. 

I  •.  >30- 

Mary  Jane,  46. 

Thomas,  45. 

William,  205. 
Arnold,  John,  150. 

Master,  68. 
Arnot  Church,  166. 
Arters,  Hugh,  241,  246. 
Arthur  family,  54. 

Rev.,  281. 

Scott  R.,  231. 

Thomas,  69,  149. 
Ashbaugh,  John,  169. 
Ashburn,  William,  119. 
Atkinson,  Emily,  207. 

Susan,  207. 
Aughvvick  Church,  19,  241-243. 

Valley,  159. 
Auld  family,  99. 
Aults,  Nannie,  316. 
Aurand,  Abram,  227,  309. 
Aurison,  Nicholas,  45. 
Ayres  family,  99. 

Baer,  Milton,  199. 
Bailey  family,  321. 

John  M.,  48,  80. 

Mrs.  Charles  I-.,  357. 

Mrs.  John  M.,  340, 348, 350-354,356, 359. 

Mrs.  T.  W.,320. 

Robert  M.,  279. 

T.  W.,  320. 
Baileyville,  Pa.,  321. 
Bain,  Clara,  359. 

John  W.,  13,  109,  n5-l20,  312. 

Mrs.  John  W.,  339. 
Baird,  James  H.,  237,  239,  298. 

Mary  A.,  47. 

William,  129. 
Baker,  Anna  H,,  n2. 

Benjamin  F.,  214,  314. 

C.  S.,  ni. 

Dr.,  119. 

John,  309. 

Joseph,  192. 


INDEX. 


383 


Baker,  J.  R.,  248. 

Mary,  309. 

Mrs.  John,  309. 
Bald  Eagle  Church,  122,  124,  223,  235,  251, 

I'^i^  324,  344- 
Creek,  53,  64. 
Nest,  S3,  68. 
Town  of,  67. 
Valley,  122,  183. 
Baltimore  College,  136. 

Presbytery,  1 13,  187. 
Baltimore,  Md.,  215. 
Bangkok,  First  Church,  238. 
Banks,  David  T.,  239,  297. 

Ephraim,  81,  82,  102, 180,  182,  306,  307. 
John,  87. 
Thaddeus,  82. 
William,  290. 
Baptists,  132,  133,  190,   292,   300,   303,   312, 

313,361- 
Barber,  James,  259. 
Barclay,  Mrs.  N.  C,  311,  348,  354,  358. 

Mrs.  S.  R.,  352. 

William  H.,  213. 
Bard,  David,  23,  42,  63,   70,   142,   160,  i5i, 

260,  261,  290. 
Bare,  Mrs.  Eva,  222. 
Barker,  John,  56. 
Barnard,  Elizabeth,  47. 

James,  47. 

Joseph  H.,  48,  127,  137,  194,  203,  273. 

Robert,  46. 
Barnes,  Anna,  112. 
Barnett,  Charles  A.,  76. 

family,  99. 

Joseph,  45. 
Barnhill,  Robt.,  69,  149. 
Barr,  Adam,  317. 

AUie,  303. 

David,  56,  70,  149,  259. 

John  C,  48,  61,  99,  io6,  108,  193,  211, 
232,  297,  353.  356,  358. 

John  D.,  152. 

Joseph,  167. 

J.  N.,  113. 

Mrs.  John  C,  342,  350,  352,  353,  358. 

Preston,  227. 

Sally,  304. 

Samuel,  180,  192,  285. 


Barr,  Samuel  W.,  274,  278,  2S0. 

S.  W.,  316. 

William,  151. 

William  C,  280. 
Barron  family,  304. 

David  H.,  11-13,  15,  113,  163,  174,  247, 
274,  282,  304,  335,  353. 

Mrs.  D.  H.,  334,  339. 
Bartlett,  Margaret,  207. 
Bartley,  Mary,  174. 

Mrs.  William,  45. 

William,  45. 
Barton,  David  R.,  215. 

John,  214. 

Joshua  L.,  202. 

L.  J.,  202. 
Baskerville,  H.  C,  258,  264,  326,  329. 
Bates,  David,  220. 
Bathgate,  Richard,  305. 
Battin,  Joseph,  27S. 
Bawn,  Joseph,  192. 
Beale,  David  J.,  48,  214,  215,  230,  231. 

Hannah,  46. 

James,  46. 

Jane,  47. 

J.  Henry,  203. 

Mrs.,  45. 

Rachel,  46. 

S.  McC.,215. 

Township,  200. 

William  D.,  45,  46. 

W.  L.,  214. 
Beard,  William,  46. 

Beatty,  Charles,  19,  41-44,  49,  50,  58,  59,  65, 
67,  70,  160,  197,  200,  203,  204,  235, 
236,  240,  2S7. 

family,  99,  loi. 

John,  151,  217,  220. 

James  R.,  152. 
Beaver  Dams,  41. 

Falls  Church,  279. 
Beaver,  James  A.,  7,   11,  12,  14,  38,  65,  78, 
90,  lOl,  129,  153,  321. 

Mrs.  James  A.,  352,  354. 
Beck,  James,  45. 

Nathaniel,  45,  301. 
Bedford  Church,  19,  67,  70,  155,  260,  296. 

County,  71,  73,  74,  76,  77,  82,  295,  329 
Bedford,  la.,  144. 


384 


INDEX. 


Bedford,  Pa.,  72,  73,  210,  295,319,  322,  335, 

353- 
Beeman,  Denton,  210. 
Beers,  Henry,  247. 

L.  H.,  248. 
Behel,  Jane,  47. 

Mary,  47. 

William,  47. 
Bell,  Ade.  K.,  194. 

B.  F.,  195. 

David,  45. 

Edith,  313. 

Elmer  E.,  213. 

family,  313. 

James,  241. 

James  M.,  80,  342. 

John,  192,  246,  300. 

John  M.,  220. 

J.  D.,  272. 

J.  Vernon,  193,  219,  298. 

Lizzie,  313,  354. 

Martin,  57,  76. 

Mrs.  Samuel,  313. 

Mrs.  Thompson,  191. 

Samuel,  241,  242. 

William,  43,  45,  201,  290. 

W.  T.,  224. 
Bellefonte   Church,   102,  122,  125-129,   140, 
146,    178,    183,    194,  215,   220,   271,  273, 

278.  343- 
Bellefonte,  Pa.,  125,  229,  321,  334,  335,  337, 

339.  347,  349.  352.  354. 
Belleville  Church,  285,  286. 
Belleville,  Pa.,  188,  321,  339. 
Bellevue,  la.,  193. 
Bell's  Gap  R.  R.,  320. 
Bell's  Hall,  112. 

Mills,  195,  274,  313. 
Church,  263. 
Bellwood  Church,  loi,  195. 

School,  loi. 
Bellwood,  Pa.,  177,  194,  195,  210,  313,  354, 

356.  359- 
Benaugh,  George,  2S9. 
Benedict,  A.  W.,  80. 

E.  L.,  81. 

N.  W.,  302. 
Bcnner,  G.  O.,  326. 
Bergen,  Sylvester  S.,  12,  152,  285,  286. 


Berks  County,  Si. 
Berr)',  Benjamin  J.,  259. 

James,  246. 

John,  47,  246. 

Nancy,  47. 
Berwinsdale  Church,  157. 
Berwinsdale,  Pa.,  324. 
Bethel  Church,  130,  248,  32S. 
Betts,  Alice,  308. 

Frederick  G.,   139,  142,   143,  146,   147, 
«57.  259. 

W.  W.,  143. 
Beulah  Church,  130,  165,  166,  210,  305. 
Biddle,  Hyland,  259. 

John  A.,  294. 
Bigham,  John,  246. 

Robert,  249. 

Samuel,  42. 
Bigler,  Pa.,  139,  178,  179,  319. 
Bigler,  William,  38,  78,  143,  144. 
Birchfield,  Rev.  William,  157. 
Bird,  A.  A.,  166. 

Miss,  338. 
Birmingham  Church,  127,   131-137,  194,  264, 

273.  274.  303.  3°4- 

Ridge,  134. 

Seminary,  lOl. 
Birmingham,  Pa.,  132,  134,  303,  334. 
Bishop,  Garry,  142,  143,  147. 

George,  146. 
Bitner,  Elliott,  315. 
Black,  J.  S.,  74,  76,  82. 

Mary,  309. 

Mrs.  A.  M.,  311. 

William,  no. 
Black  Oak  Rock,  III. 
Blackburn,  Joseph  H.,  294,  300. 
Blades,  James,  166,  325. 
Blaine,  Epliraim,  100. 

James  G.,  100. 
Blair,  Alexander,  141,  246,  309. 

Alexander  Carron,  281. 

Brice,  244. 

David,  80,  171,  302. 

family,  326. 

James  M.,  124. 

John,  100,  141,  164. 

John  McConnell,  2S1. 

J-  C.,  7,  «73- 


INDEX. 


38s 


Blair,  J.  M.,  326. 

Mrs.  David,  302. 

Samuel  S.,  82,  165,  276,  27S,  280, 
3'6,  329. 
Blair  County,  57,  71,  75,  76,  7S-S0,  82, 
loi,  102,  278,  312,  329. 

Factor)',  173. 
Blairville  Presbytery,  211,  218,  269. 
Blam,  Miss,  327. 
Blanchard,  John,  78. 
Blodgett,  Mr.,  77. 
Bloody  Run,  155. 
Bloom,  Abraham,  158. 

Conrad,  158. 

William  A.,  158. 
Bloom's  Barn,  146. 
BIymyer,  Benjamin,  240. 
BIythe,  Calvin,  76. 
Boal,  George,  259. 

J.  W.,  239,  264,  297. 

Lizzie,  31S. 
Boalsburg,  Pa.,  253. 
Board  of  Church  Erection,  237,  273. 
Boas  family,  99.  « 

Boden,  Stiles  K.,  202. 
Boggs,  Andrew,  53. 

Francis,  191,  192. 

James,  138. 

John,  45,  201. 

Robert,  12S. 
Bolinger,  Emanuel,  233. 

John  C,  22S. 

Michael,  242. 

Simon,  247. 
Bomberger  family,  99. 
Book,  Henry  L.,  281. 

Mrs.  Henry  L.,  281. 
Boone,  G.  W.,  230,  31S. 
Boozer,  Henry,  259. 
Border,  Thomas,  282. 
Bortel,  George,  207. 

Jennie,  207. 
Bower,  Charles,  226,  309. 
Bowles,  Blair  N.,  177. 

C.  B.,  113,  279. 
Bowman,  John  M.,  112,  113. 
Boyd,  Alexander,  157. 

family,  99. 

Mrs.  M.  E.,  356. 


JOI, 


100, 


Boyd,  W.  A.,  261,  265. 
Boy's  Brigade,  122,  364. 
Bracken,  John,  301. 
Bradford  Church,  139,  295. 
Bradford,  William,  51. 
Brainerd,  David,  41,  235. 
Brandt,  Anna,  306. 

Daniel,  249,  306. 
Bratton,  Ada  J.,  207. 

Andrew,  67,  204. 

Anna  May,  207. 

Bertha  M.,  207. 

Catherine  S.,  207. 

Charles,  207. 

Charles  B.,  207. 

Clyde  R.,  207. 

Elisha,  207. 

Elisha  R.,  207. 

Emma  J.,  207. 

family,  58. 

Grace  E.,  207. 

Hannah,  207. 

Hester  A.,  207. 

John,  207. 

Joseph  R.,  207. 

Margaret  R.,  207. 

Martha  J.,  207. 

Mary  A.,  207. 

Rebecca  J.,  207. 

Susan,  207. 

S.  S.,  228. 

Thaddeus  E.,  207. 

William  B.,  207. 
Bratton  Church,  67. 

Township,  60,  67. 
Brazil,  219. 

Breckenridge,  James  G.,  239. 
Brewster,  Charley,  306. 

Frank,  306. 

Henry,  249,  306. 

John,  249,  306. 

Mary,  223. 

Mrs.  William  H.,  306. 

William  H.,  306. 
Brice,  Eleanor,  47. 

James,  47. 

Jane,  46. 

Rachel,  47. 

Ruth,  47. 


25 


386 


INDEX. 


Brice,  Sarah  S.,  47. 
Bridges,  Jennie,  308. 
Briggs,  Benjamin,  342. 
Brimmer,  Anna  L.,  207. 

Leamon  W.,  207. 

Mary  L.,  207. 

Sadie  C,  207. 

Sarah,  207. 
Brisbin,  G.  H.,  174. 

George  M.,  230. 
Briton,  Wm.  G.,  363. 
Broad  Avenue  Church,  no,    116,   119,   121, 

164,  3'3- 
Brooks,  Docia,  310. 

Brotherhood  of  Andrew  and  Philip,  233,  364. 
Brotherton,  Bobert,  57,  68,  2S2,  2S6. 
Brower,  Rebecca  B.,  207. 
Brown,  Alexander,  69,  149. 
Anna  B.,  207. 

A.  O.,  249. 
Benjamin  E.,  207. 

B.  F.,  130. 
H.  W.,  318. 
John  D.,  317. 
Joseph,  69,  149,  300. 
Joseph  S.,  310. 
Judge,  57,  68,  148. 
Margaret  J.,  207. 
Matthew,  197,  28S. 
Mrs.,  320. 

Myron  L.,  207. 

N.  Foster,  227. 

Robert,  242. 

Roland  A.,  281. 

Samuel  T.,  80,  170,  212. 

Thomas,  69,  149. 

T.  R.,  313- 

William,  69,  149. 

\V.  A.,  230. 

W.  Y.,  231. 
Browne,  Catherine  C,  207. 

Haltie,  349. 

T.  R.,  176. 
Bruncbaker,  Ellen,  176. 
Brush  Valley  Church,  250. 
Bryan,  Mrs.  S.  S.,  350. 
Bryn  Mawr  College,  1 36. 
Bryson,  Aunt  Polly,  361. 

John,  23,  161. 


Bryson,  Mary,  47,  361. 

Mrs.,  304. 

R.  C,  235. 

Samuel,  62,  261,  264,  265. 
Buchanan,  Arthur,  69,  70,  149. 

Claudius,  355. 

George,  169. 

Mary,  295. 

Mrs.  Dr.,  63. 

President,  73. 
Bucher  family,  99. 

J.  C.,76. 
Buck,  Samuel,  236,  314. 
Bucknell  College,  135. 
Buffalo  Church,  257. 
Buffalo  Run  Church,  140,  141,  235,  251. 
Buffalo  Run,  Pa.,  129,  319,  351. 
Bunker  Hill,  102. 
Buoy,  John  M.,  247. 
Burbank,  Marquis,  231. 
Burchfield,  William  M.,  130,  146,  157,  304. 

Mrs.  Willi.-im  M.,  324. 
Burd,  J.  Shippen,  247. 
Burkett,  Grace,  306. 
Burnes,  Elizabeth,  46. 

James,  70,  149. 

John  C,  231. 

Ruth,  46. 

Sarah,  46. 
Burnside,  James,  74,  78. 

Thomas,  73-76,  78. 

William,  259. 
Burr,  Aaron,  51. 
Bush,  William,  196. 
Bushman,  Sadie,  326. 
Butler,  M.  S.,  142,  143,  308,  329. 

John,  219. 

Mrs.,  219,  334. 
Mrs.  Henry,  354. 
Mrs.  John,  338. 
Butts,  George  C,  259,  325. 

James  D.,  2S2,  298. 

Cadwallader,  Emily,  291. 

John,  169. 
Calderwood,  Catherine,  207. 
Caldwell,  Alexander,  166. 

Charles,  105. 

David,  107. 


INDEX. 


387 


Caldwell  family,  54. 

G.  Bishop,  146. 

James,  105. 

James  B.,  146. 

Kate,  328. 

Lizzie,  309. 

Matthew,  146. 

Mr.,  62,  132. 

Mrs.  J.  C,  347.  34S. 

Reuben,  15S,  324. 

Samuel,  248. 

S.  A.,  140. 

S.  D.,  248. 

Thomas,  316. 

W.  J.,  145,  146,  328. 
Caldwell  building,  272. 
Calhoun,  William,  124. 
California,  79. 
Calvin,  John,  88. 

Samuel,  78,  82. 
Cambria  County,  75,  79. 
Camden  First  Church,  116. 
Cameron,  Christine,  325. 

family,  325.  1 

J.  A.,  230. 

J.  R..31S. 

Peter,  166,  2IO,  325. 

William  R.,  166. 
Campbell,  A.  A.,  273. 

A.  E.,  112. 

Benjamin  H.,  49.  17S,  201,  213. 

Blanche,  276. 

Cornelius,  111-113,  115. 

D-  H.,  139,  157,  17S,  223,  225,  227,  228, 
249,  299.  313.  315.  316,  324,  32S,  329. 

family,  212,  313,  324. 

Fannie  M.,  112. 

Hugh,  230,  318. 

Hugh  A.,  112,  273,  277,  278. 

H.  A.,  299. 

H.  M.,  121,  122,  17S. 

I.  0.,235. 

John,  193,  195,  235,  313. 

John  M.,  Ill,  112. 

Joseph,  241,  242,  246,  285,  a86. 

J-B.,3i3- 
J.  Oliver,  286. 
Lizzie,  112. 
Maggie,  112. 


Campbell,  Martha,  313. 

Matthew  F.,  212. 

Mrs.  A.  H.,  224. 

Mrs.  D.  H.,  339. 

Mrs.  J.  M.,  312. 

M.  T.,  315. 

Oliver,  321. 

Rebecca,  291. 

Robert,  70,  122,  124,  149,  291. 

Robert  L.,  286. 

R.  G.,  276. 

R.  H.,  III. 

R.  M.,  152,  178,  237,  285. 

Samuel,  24S,  2S1. 

Susan,  336. 

Thomas,  45. 

Thomas  E.,  113. 

William,  273,  377. 
Campbellites,  74. 
Canan,  Catherine,  241. 

Henry,  113. 

John  A.,  119-122,311,  313. 

Lizzie  M.,  121. 

W.  T.,  316. 
Candor,  David,  81. 
Cannan,  William  T.,  279. 
Cannon,  Governor,  102. 
Canoe  Valley  Church,  292,  293. 
Cape  May,  N.  J.,  189. 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  238. 
Carlisle  Presbytery,  7,  20,  24,  27,  65,  70,  71, 
99,    loi,    125,    126,    150,    160,    168,    171, 
190,   203,    214,    218,   236,   254,  255,  260, 
274,  280,  345,  347,  357. 
Carlisle,  Pa.,  43,  65,  76,  163,  239,  250,  255, 

273.  346,  347.  350- 
Carothers,  Jane,  291. 
John,  291. 
Samuel,  249. 
Carroll,  Benjamin,  205,  225,  226,  249,  309. 
Carson,  Joseph,  259. 
Carver,  George,  45. 
Casner,  Frederick,  45. 
Cass,  Joseph  K.,  277. 
Castor,  John  A.,  113. 
CattoU,  W.  C,  276. 
Caveny,  Reuben,  199. 
Cedar  Creek  Church,  42,  55,   56,  250-252, 

255- 


388 


INDEX. 


Cedar  Spring,  196. 

Cedar  Springs  Church,  19,  42,  44,  49,  51,  52, 

65,  66,  68,  196,  197,  200,  287,  288. 
Cemeteries,   58,  63,  66,  105,  107,  139,  154, 

156,  160,  161,  186,  187,  196,  204,  206, 
232,  240,  244-246,  252,  254,  256,  283, 
286,  293,  300. 

Centennial  Anniversary,  7,  64,  98,  173,  195. 

Hymn,  103. 
Central  Church,  264. 

Central  Pennsylvania  Telephone  Co.,  279. 
Central  Wayne,  60,  204. 
Centre  Church,  42. 

County,  53,  55,  63,  66,  68,  71,  74-76,  78, 
79,  102,  125,  234,  270,  329. 

Hall,  252. 

Hill,  251,  252. 
Chambers,  General,  100,  loi. 

Robert,  59. 
Chambersburg,  First  Church,  256. 

Seminary,  101. 
Chambersburg,  Pa.,  72,  74,  80,  347,  348. 
Chapels,  107,  113,  120,   121,  128,   133,   143, 

157,  164,  173,  176,  177,  218,  253,  293,  298, 
302,  308,  312,  321,  324,  325,  360,  361. 

Chappell,  George,  140,  178,  190,  294,  295. 

Charlestown,  First  Church,  62. 

Chichester,  W.  J.,  113,  114,  329. 

Chile,  115. 

China,  132,  134,  135,  143,  219,  273,  330,  331, 

334.  335.  338.  339.  357- 
Chincleclamoose,  63,  64,  I42,  145,  242. 
Christians,  74,  76. 
Christy,  Jacob  A.,  82,  290,  304. 

William,  45. 
Church,  Anna,  317. 
Church  Hill,  153,  201. 
Cincinnati,  O.,  loi,  162. 
Civil  War,  345. 
Clarion  Presbytery,  276,  298. 
Clark,  A.  B.,  109,  III,  178,  272. 

Albert,  240. 

Annie  I.,  358,  359. 

David  D.,  206,  222,  226,  239. 

George  C,  207. 

Henrietta,  301. 

Isaac,  211. 

John,  II,  137,  178,  264,  293,294. 

John  U.,  229,  240,  274,  275,  316. 


Clark,  John  P.,  190. 

Mrs.,  308. 

Rettie  M.,  206,  207. 

Rev.,  139,  178. 

Robert  B.,  207. 

Rowan,  195,  278,  313. 

W.  A.  B.,  240,  275. 
Clearfield  Church,  31,  63,  142-144,  146,  154, 
307,  308,  335,  350,  354,  357,  359. 

County,  63,  71,  74,  75,  78,  79,;i46,  156, 
190,  329. 
Clearfield,  Pa.,  79,  142,  144,  178,  339. 
Clements,  James,  241,  242,  246. 

Robert,  242. 
Clemson,  A.  E.,  321. 
Cline,  David,  320. 
Close,  Henry  L.,  152. 
Clover,  Philip,  69,  149. 
Clugage,  Agnes,  241. 

Gavin,  241,  246. 

Jane,  241. 

Thomas,  241,  246. 

Widow,  246. 
Coale,  J.  J.,  306,  199,  263,  318. 
Coalport  Church,  145,  327. 
Coalport,  Pa.,  278. 
Coburn,  James  P.,  78. 
Coder,  Samuel,  47. 
Coeland,  David,  226. 
Coffee  Run,  355. 
Coldren,  Michael,  199. 
Coleraine  Forge,  321,  350. 
Colin,  Reuben  R.,  240. 
Collins,  Britlon  E.,  178,  211,  212,  221,  228, 

243,  249,  296,  314. 
Condit,  W.  W.,  184,  230. 
Cone,  Herbert,  155. 
Confederates,  80. 

Congress,  63,  73,  78,  81,  82,  160,  161. 
Conklin,  N.  S.,  157. 
Conley,  Isaiah,  240,  326. 

Richard,  140,  141. 
Conner,  James  A.,  207. 
Conocochcigue,  159. 
Conrad,  Catherine,  207. 

Edmund,  207,  209. 
Constituiional  Convention,  75,  77,  78. 
Converse,  John  H.,  III. 
Conway,  David,  292,  329. 


INDEX. 


389 


Cook,  Eliza  C,  295. 

James,  56. 

James  B.,  286. 

John,  295,  296. 

Milton  L.,  233. 
Coolbroth,  Mary  S.,  358. 
Coons,  J.  R.,  319. 

Solomon,  228,  319. 
Cooper,  John,  69,  149,  150. 

Robert,  151. 

Samuel  M.,  51,  66,  139,   142,   154,  178, 
183,  184,  189. 

Thomas,  73. 
Copeland,  David,  309. 
Corbett,  Robert,  309. 

William,  69,  149,  309. 
Corea,  33 1. 
Corkle,  E.  May,  207. 

Martha  J.,  207. 

Maud  L.,  207. 
Cornelius,  N.  M.,  109,  114,  353,  356,  358. 

S.  A.,  233. 
Comely,  James,  131,  210. 

Mrs.  James,  305.  1 

W.  B.,  305. 
Cornman,  H.  J.,  316. 
Commesser,  A.  M.,  196. 
Cottage  Church,  130. 
Coulter,  James,  215,  281. 

John,  34,  44-47,  201,214. 

J.  S.,  315. 

Mary  Jane,  46. 

Samuel,  207,  227. 

Sarah,  207. 
Council  Bluffs  Presbytery,  145. 
Council,  S.  B.,  177. 
Court  of  Common  Pleas,  171. 
Covanhovan,  John,  169. 
Covert,  Mrs.  A.,  315. 
Covington,  Pa.,  347,  348. 
Cowden  family,  99. 
Coyle,  James,  214. 
Craig,  Nannie,  112. 
Craighead,  David  Elder,  146,  147. 
Craine  family,  99,  313. 
Cramer,  Mary  Ann,  207. 
Craven,  Charles  E.,  137. 
Crawford,  Armstrong,  264. 

Ella  K.,  306. 


Crawford,  Emma  J.,  306. 

Foster,  306. 

James  A.,  276,  278,  279. 

John  A.,  306. 

Levinia,  306. 

Mark  G.,  280. 
Cree,  David,  242. 

John,  165. 

Samuel  H.,  278. 
Cresswell,  Benjamin,  70,  149. 

Elisha,  70,  149. 

John,  82. 
Crewitt,  J.  A.,  320. 
Crissell,  Elijah,  69,  149,  150. 
Crissman,  George  \V.,  220. 
Criswell,  Cyrus,  207. 

Elizabeth  M.,  244. 

Eliza  S.,  342,  348,  350. 

George  M.,  320. 

James,  205,  206. 
Crocker,  William,  247. 
Crone,  Robert,  214. 
Cronomiller,  Jacob,  124. 
Crouch,  D.  O.,  146. 

Hal.,  323. 

Lizzie,  323. 
Crouse,  M.  Perry,  116,  312. 
Crowther,  Emily,  272. 

James,  241,  242,  246,  247. 

John,  247. 

Samuel,  247. 

Sarah,  272. 
Cubertson,  John,  70. 
Culberlson,  Denton  D.,  247. 

family,  55- 

John,  149. 

Samuel,  100. 
Culpepper,  Va.,  193. 
Cumberland  County,  73,  159,  287. 

Valley,  183. 
Cummings,  Joseph,  290. 
Cunning,  Thomas,  293,  294. 
Cunningham,  David,  290. 

Jane  E.,  359. 

Miss,  338. 

Mrs.,  334. 

Thomas,  192. 

William,  290. 

William  R.,  294. 


390 


INDEX. 


Cupples,  T.  H.,  210. 

Curran,  Richard,  217,  248. 

Currie,  H.  C,  177. 

Curry,  Mr.,  77. 

Curtin,  A.  G.,  38. 

Curwensville  Church,  142,  145,  146. 

Curwensville,  Pa.,  146,  323. 

Custer,  Benjamin  F.,  no,  311. 

Daily  offering,  115. 
Dana,  Dr.,  Si. 
Danville,  N.  J.,  190. 
Dauberman,  Mrs.  John,  326. 
Daudson,  \V.  R.,  145. 
Davenport,  S.  A.,  202,  215,  231. 
Davies,  John  R.,  115,  275,  280,  364. 
Davis,  Barty,  242. 

Elmer,  130. 

family,  54. 

H.  P.,  120,  122. 

James,  107. 

John,  247. 

J.  Bruce,  224. 

Mary,  207. 

Mary  H.,  120. 

Miss,  303. 

Morris,  no. 

N.  J.,  134,  136. 

Patrick,  107. 

Samuel,  259. 

Thomas,  124,  199. 

Thomas  A.,  326. 

T.  K.,239. 

W.  S.,  298. 
Dean,  Alexander,  168. 

Amanda  M.,  207. 

James,  105,  107. 

John,  75,  77,  105,  107,  169. 

Samuel,  294. 
Dearduff,  Abraham,  169. 
Decker,  William  H.,  153,  181,  182,  329. 
Deen,  J.  H.,  310. 
Deiner,  Mrs.  J.  F.,  326. 
Denver,  Colo.,  306,  349. 
Derry  Church,  70,  204,  278. 

Township,  67. 
Detrick,  John,  290. 
Devor,  B.  J.,  315. 
De  Wees,  Emma,  3S4. 


De  Wing,  C.  S.,  202. 

Dickens,  Charles,  99. 

Dickenson  College,  73,  loi,  125. 

Dickey,  E.  S.,  351. 

Dickson,  George  A.,  138. 

Diener,  John  F.,  23i,'239,  244,  281. 

Mrs.  John  F.,  326. 
Dillen,  John,  45. 

District  of  Columbia  Presbytery,  217. 
Dixon,  Dunlap,  247. 

family,  99. 
Dobbins,  Eliza,  343. 
Doll,  Ida,  357. 
Dom,  Leonard  D.,  233. 
Donaldson,  Colonel,  212. 

family,  212. 

J.  H.,  239. 

Moses,  169. 

William,  314. 
Donegal  Presbytery,  18,  20,  21,  51,  53,  56,65, 
66,  67,  71,   148,  1S5,   189,   203,  204,  236, 
250,  254. 
Donnelly,  Keziah,  272. 

Mrs.,  45. 
Doremus,  Mrs.  T.  C,  330,  346. 
Dorland,  Jane,  301. 
Dorris,  Mrs.  Julia  A.,  340. 

Mrs.  William,  335,   339,   342,   347,   348, 

350-354.  358. 

William,  80,  170,  173,  302. 
Dorsey,  Ellen,  342. 

Mary,  342. 
Dorter,  R.  W.,  249. 
Dotts,  Callie,  320. 
Doty,  Edmund  S.,  82,  102,  290,  304. 

Hannah,  306. 

Lucian  W.,  82. 
Dougall,  Rev.,  63. 
Dougherty,  Hugh,  246. 

J.  S.,  117. 
Douglas,  David,  306. 

John,  249,  306. 

Kate,  306. 

Martha,  306. 

Samuel,  249,  306. 
Dover  Church,  121. 
Dover,  Del.,  I16. 
Downs,  John,  242. 
Drake,  John,  309. 


INDEX. 


391 


Dry  Hollow  Church,  133,  134. 
Dry  Hollow,  Pa.,  62,  265. 
Dry  Valley  Church,  150,  1S5,  205. 
Dry  Valley,  Pa.,  185,  iSS. 
Dubois  Second  Church,  298. 
Dubois,  Pa.,  193. 
Dubree,  D.  S.,  233. 

Duffield,  George,  19,   42,  44,  49,   50,  65,  114, 
197,200,  203,  236,  2S7,  335. 

S.  W.,  114,  115,  335. 
Dull,  Hannah  C,  207. 
Duluth,  Minn.,  279. 
Duncan,  David,  307. 

Mary  E.,  307. 

Thomas,  73. 
Duncansville    Church,    121,    147,    15S,    162, 

163. 
Duncansville,  Pa.,  162,  322. 
Dunlap,  James,  128. 

John  A.,  162. 

John  T.,  291. 

Mr.,  294. 

Samuel,  327. 
Dunmire,  Anna,  207,  209.  ^ 

Anna  E.,  207. 
Dunn,  Catherine,  291. 

James,  291. 
Dyer,  Miss  F.  A.,  347,  34S,  351,  356,  357. 

W.  N.,  146. 
Dysart,  Alexander,  264. 

Aunt  Ann,  1 14. 

Ella  M.,  H2. 

Emma,  112. 

James  A.,  227,  309. 

James  H.,  107,  in,  112,  233,  303,  309, 

3".  324. 
John,  107. 

Joseph,  in-113,  165. 
J.  E.,  213,  314. 
Lizzie,  112. 
Mrs.  James  H.,  119. 
Mrs.  M.  A.,  112. 

Eagleton,  John,  247. 

Ealy,  P.  T.,  240. 

E.ist  Freedom  Church,  147. 

East  Kishacoquillas  Church,  42,  57,  58,  68, 

70,  147,  14S,  150-154,   185-187,  204,  205, 

216-219,  275,  282,  283,  322. 


East  Penn  Valley   Church,"  54-57,'^l32,  251, 

252,  254,  255. 
East  Waleiford  Church,  214,  215. 
East  \Vaterford,'Pa.,  323. 
Eaton,  John,  166. 
Eberly,  Abram,  300. 
Eden  Valley,  Pa.,  I34,  303,  304. 
Edinburg  Universities,  175. 
Edwards,  W.  H.,  131. 
Egle  family,  99. 

Egle's  Pennsylvania[Genealogies,  99. 
Eichelberger,  Mrs.,  309. 
Elder  family,  99. 

George  W.,  81. 

Jesse  R.,  290. 

Mary  J.,  363. 

Miss,  358,  359. 

Mrs.,  334. 

Mrs.  George,  352. 

Thomas,  290. 

Thomas  A.,  304. 
Eliot,  Thomas,  242. 
Elkland,  Pa.,  347. 
Ellenbarger,  133. 
Ellinwood,  335. 
Elliott,  Benjamin,  168. 

David,  34,  47. 

George,  II,  12,  64,  98,  99,'loo,  106,  108, 
123,  141,  151,  152,  153,  213,  224,  228, 
235.  237.  270,^292,  324,«358. 

James,  169. 

John,  133,  152,  153,  263,  267,  272,  291, 
297. 

R.  Frank,  290,  304. 
Ellsworth,  Josiah  F.,  294. 

Mrs.  Josiah  F.,  301. 
Elmira,  N.  Y.,  115. 
Ely,  Rev.,  355. 
England,  176,  330. 
English,  Mary,  313. 
Episcopalians,  75,  80,  169,  173. 
Erie  County,  100. 

Presbytery,  230,'283. 

Synod,  345,  350. 
Erwin,  Estelle,  207. 

Rosanna  Matilda,  207. 

Sarah  K.,  207. 

William,  207. 

William  E.,  209. 


392 


INDEX. 


Erwin,  William  H.,  207. 

William  I.,  207. 
Esh,  David  B.,  42. 
Espy  family,  77,  99. 
Esterline,  Mrs.  G.  M.,  312. 

Rebecca,  313. 
Europe,  102. 

Everett  Church,  155,  325. 
Everett,  Pa.,  29S,  339. 
Ewing,  A.  G.,  321. 

Captain,  308,  309. 

Carrie  M.,  207,  209. 

John  C,  279. 

Lizzie  L.,  208,  209. 

Samuel,  227,  228. 

William  G.,  224,  315. 

Fait,  Silas,  240. 
Falkender,  Samuel,  242. 
Fareman,  William,  242. 
Faust,  R.  J.,  224. 
Fike,  Alice  M.,  208. 
Findley,  Alexander  B.,  113. 

Alexander  T.,  116,  312. 

Governor,  73. 
Finley,  William  R.,  165. 
Finney,    William    G.,    227-229,    249,    250, 

329- 
Fisher,  Anna,  302. 

Horatio  G.,  247. 

Jesse,  264. 

J.  W.,  264. 

Mrs.  H.  G.,  331,352. 

Mrs.  H.  O.,  359. 
Fithian,  Rev.  Philip  V.,  22,  51-53,  57,  67>  68, 

70,  148,  282. 
Fea,  Joseph,  293. 
Fee,  John,  168,  169. 
Feltwell,  A.  L.,  117. 
Fergus,  John,  291. 

Margaret,  291. 
Ferguson  family,  99. 

John  C,  177. 

Thomas,  55,  259. 
Ferrer,  Evanna,  208. 
Fetterhoof,  William  B.,  138. 
Fitzsimmons,  King,  246. 

Mary,  242. 

Patrick,  241,  246. 


Flasher,  Rhoda,  315. 

Rosa  E.,  222. 
Fleck,  George,  124. 

Thomas,  195,  314. 

Thomas  M.,  306. 
Fleming,  James,  286. 

John,  69,  149,  154,  214,  285,  343. 

John  M.,  286. 

Joseph  H.,  286. 

J.  R.,321. 

Orlando  S.,  233,  313. 

Robert,  242,  244. 

Robert  T.,  286. 
Fleming  Post-Ofiice,  Pa.,  323. 
Flickinger,  Daniel  E.,  202. 

D.  W.,  236. 

R.  E.,  236. 
Floyd,  Eliott,  244. 

Moses,  134,  188,  284,  285. 
Fluke,  C.  R.,  294. 
Fockler,  Theodore  T.,  239. 
Foley,  James,  70. 
Folsom,  Rev.,  231. 
Foote,  Amos,  247. 

John,  247. 
Forbes,  Cochrane,  222,  223,  22S,  249. 

William,  45. 
Foreign  Missions,  32,  133,  135,  182,  184,  219, 

223,  238,  269,  302. 
Foreman  House,  242. 
Foresman,    E.   P.,   140,   157,   177,   17S,   239, 

295,  298. 
Forgy,  Bessie,  208. 

Charles  G.,  208. 
Henry  W.,  208. 
Rebecca,  208. 
Robert,  207,  208. 
Forman,  Mrs.  Henry,  338. 
Forshey,  Helen,  324. 
Fort  Duquesne,  2S7. 
Fort  Shirley,  67,  70. 
Foster,  Albert,  322. 
Emma,  322. 
Harriet,  II2. 
James,  128. 

William  K.,  257,  264,  326. 
Fpust,  Kate,  315. 

R.  J..  315- 

Fowler,  Frank  G.,  117. 


INDEX. 


393 


Frame,  Nancy,  242. 

Polly,  242. 
Francis,  J.  J.,  136,  137. 
Franciscus,  F.  G.,  182. 
Frank,  Stephen,  160. 
Franklin  College,  276. 

County,  100,  loi,  238,  244,  249. 
Franklinville  Village,  62. 
Frankstown  Church,  43,  63,  67,  70,  l6o,  290. 
Frankstown,  Pa.,  63,  159,  160. 
Fraser,  John,  318. 
Fredonia,  Pennsylvania,  118. 
Fredrigle,  Rebecca,  295. 
Freed,  Carrie  B.,  20S. 

Freeman,  D.   K.,  7,   13,  14,    103,  115,  119, 
174.  210,  302,  329,  353,  356,  364. 

Mrs.  D.  K.,  339,  359. 
French  War,  57,  147,  282. 
Fruit  Hill   Church,  156,   157,  232,  324,  327, 

328. 
Fry,  Mrs.  D.  H.,  304. 
Fuller,  C.  J.,  228,  309. 

W.  W.,  315. 
Fullerton,  J.  Q.  A.,  146.  , 

Fulton,  Cora,  319. 

family,  99. 

Moses,  144. 
Fuoss,  William,  195. 
Furbay,  Harvey  Graeme,  7,  62,  Ii5,  177,  276, 

279.  316,  362. 
Furst,  A.  O.,  74,  75,  129,  130. 

Gahagan,  John,  107. 
Gailey,  S.  A.,  311. 
Galbraith  family,  99,  loo. 

James,  100,  161,  III,  162,  290,  291. 

Robert,  161,  168. 

Sarah  W.,  100. 

W.  A.,  100. 
Galloway,  Eleanor,  47. 

James,  47. 

John  M.,  142,  143,  146. 
Gamble,  Robert  L.,  II3,  226,  w. 

William  R.,  113. 
Ganoe,  George,  166. 

George  W.,  233,  324. 

Gideon,  138. 
Gardner,  Andrew,  45. 

Paul  D.,  164. 


Gardner,  Robert,  70,  149. 

William,  321. 
Garner,  John,  242.  • 

Garver,  Catherine,  288. 
Gates,  Maggie,  304. 
Gayley.  Samuel,  134. 
Gaysport,  Pa.,  159,  160. 
Gayton,  Anna,  315. 

family,  212. 

John, 315. 
Gazzan  Church,  157. 
Geary,  John  W.,  79. 
Geesey,  William,  195. 
Gemmill,  Anna  T.,  112. 

family,  60. 

Grandmother,  342. 

John,  107,  27S. 

J.  M.,  107,  108,  111-113. 

William,  131,   165,   166,    174,  219,   305, 

325.  352. 
General  Assembly,  7,  32,  33,  35,  47,  56,  63, 
95,96,  101,  142,  151,   161,  210,  241,  265, 
298,  299,  309,  310,  328,  331,  340,  341,  344- 
346. 
Gensimore,  William  C,  138, 
George,  John,  169. 

S.  C,  238. 
Georgetown,  D.  C. ,  193. 
Georgia,  98,  102. 
Gephart,  J.  W.,  129. 
German  Baptists,  117. 
Reformed,  169. 
settlers,  18, 160,  251. 
Germantown,  Fa.,  I16,  354. 
Germany,  100. 
Getts  family,  212. 
Gettys,  John,  2S3,  285,  313. 
Gettysburg,  Pa.,  102,  181. 
Gibb,  William,  145,  175. 
Gibbony,  Benjamin,  240. 

William  M.,  286. 
Gibson,  John  B.,  100. 
Mary,  343. 

W.  J.,  102,  III,  122,  147,  158,  162,  169, 
171,  178,  184,  1S5,  194,  235,  262,  263, 
291. 
Gibson  Memorial  Church,  147,  158. 
Gibson's  History  of  Presbytery,  49,   57,  60, 
168,  185,  240,  343. 


394 


INDEX. 


Giffen,  J.  E.,  131,  210. 

Thomas  M.,  129. 
Gifibrd,  Wm.,  247. 
Gilfillan,  Annie,  359. 
Gill,  Angus  M.,  140,  319. 

Lowry,  319. 

Mary,  140. 

Samuel  H.,  319 

W.  H.,  114. 
Gillam,  A.  B.,  213,  314. 
Gillespie,  Rev.,  335. 
Gilliford,  George,  45. 
Gilliland,  James,  220. 

James  C,  259. 

John,  247. 

Joseph,  259. 

Joseph  M.,  259. 
Gillingham  Church,  140. 
Gilson,  Mary  A.,  47. 

S.  S.,  14. 

Thomas,  45,  47,  167,  201. 

William,  201. 

W.  Boyd,  202. 
Gingerich,  Sarah,  272. 
Giant,  John  A.,  208,  209. 
Glasgow,  Effie  R.,  208. 

Eliza,  46. 

Elmira,  208. 

family,  313. 

F.  M.,  196,  313. 

John,  208. 

John  G.,  158,  159. 

William  B.,  208. 
Glasgow  University,  151. 
Glass,  James,  69,  149. 

William  H.,  286. 
Glassford,  Alexander,  45. 

George,  45. 
Glazier,  Henry,  170. 
Glen  Hope  Church,  157,  159,  324,  328. 
Glen  Richey,  308. 
Glenn,  Hugh,  241,  246. 

James,  259. 

Robert,  235. 

Samuel,  259. 
Glenshaw,  121. 
Goheen  family,  321. 

J.  Calvin,  278. 

J.  Milligan,  268,  280,  317,  321,  338. 


Goheen,  Mrs.  J.  M.,  338,  339. 

Robert,  259. 

William  M.,  259. 
Gomerville,  John  S.,  317. 
Goodhart,  George  L.,  259. 

William,  259,  264,  307. 
Goodwin,  Mary,  46. 
Gooshom,  Leonard,  247. 
Gordon,  Cyrus,  74,  144,  308. 

Isaac  G.,  79. 
Goshborn,  Nicholas,  281. 
Gospel  Hill,  108. 
Gourley,  John,  120,  181,  363. 
Graffins,  Martin,  158. 
Grafifius,  Peter,  105. 
Graham,  Francis,  57. 

George  M.,  48,  231,  236. 

G.  M.,  314. 

Isabella,  46. 

James,  56. 

James  B.,  144,  308. 

Jane  W.,  46. 

Judge,  76. 

Mrs.,  339. 

Mrs.  James,  309. 

Polly,  47. 

Samuel,  56. 

Samuel  A.,  202. 

William,  42,  45,  201. 

W.  R.,  182. 
Granville  Township,  67. 
Graves,  R.  J.,  297. 
Gray,  David, 45. 

George,  107,  243,  249,  2S1. 

Hugh,  47. 

James,  42,  45,  47. 

John,  42,  45. 

Joseph  B.,  309. 

Mary,  321. 

Matthews,  107. 

William  A.,  247. 
Graybill,  John  F.,  290. 
Graysville,  Pa.,  321,  348. 
Grazier,  J.  H.,  279. 
Great  Aughwick,  Pa.,  70. 
Great  Britain,  106. 
Great  Cove,  50. 
Great  Island,  53,  64. 
Green,  G.  Dorsey,  319. 


INDEX. 


395 


Greenawalt,  A.  H.,  230,  318. 

family,  99. 
Greenville,  Tenn.,  193. 
Greenwich  First  Church,  163. 
Gregg,  Adam,  56. 

David  M.,  247. 

Township,  55. 
Gregg-Curtin  family,  99,  loi. 
Grier,  A.  R.,  136,  138. 

Helen,  303. 

Isaac,  23,  64,  loi,  161,  183. 

J.  C.,  146,  161. 

L.  G.,  303,  134,  135,  136,  13S,  273. 

Robert  C,  loi,  161. 
GrifHth,  John,  169. 

S.  M.,  iiS. 
Groninger,  Henry  M.,  290. 
Graver,  Elias,  202. 

William,  202. 
Guilick,  Frederick,  307, 308. 
GuiUiford,  W.  R.,  117. 
Guthrie,  George,  169. 
Gwin,  Alexander,  80. 

James  L.,  loS.  • 

Hackendorn,  David,  214. 
Hackett,  G.  Stuart,  II5,  n6,  312. 

Henry,  45. 
Haffley,  Ella,  121. 

S.  H.,  121,  122. 
Hagerty,  Isaac,  131. 

Joseph,  272,  277. 
Hahn,  John  H.,  317,  166. 

Lizzie,  317. 
Haines,  Abraham,  169. 

F.  E.  H.,  347,  348,  354,  356-358- 

Kate,  121. 

Mrs.,  337. 
Haingpo  Presbytery,  219. 
Haldman,  Samuel,  177. 
Hale,  J.  T.,  74,  78. 
Haley,  James,  175,  320. 

Mrs.  James,  320. 
Half  Moon  Church,  42,  55,  61,  62,  68,  132, 

133.  137.  250.  254.  261. 
Half  Moon  Valley,  60. 
Hall,  Baynard,  296. 

Benjamin,  70,  149. 

David,  112,  113. 


Hall,  Eleanor,  322. 

John,  54,  114,177- 

Judge,  82. 

Louis  W.,  82. 

Richard,  242. 

W.  M.,  65,  70,  74,  81,  296. 
Halloway,  A.  H.,  130. 
Hamer,  Michael,  279. 

Hamill,  Robert,   11,   12,  lol,  119,   122,   124, 
140,  217,  235,  253,  256-260,  270,  271,  274, 

318. 

Hamilton,  Catherine,  100. 

family,  99,  100. 

Gabriel  T.,  117. 

James,  168. 

James  J.,  146,  157,  194,  214,  230. 

John,  4$,  259,  270,  271,  318,  325. 

Jonathan,  loS,  110,  III,  165,  272,  329. 

Joseph  M.,  286. 

J.  C.  M.,  279. 

Robert  R.,  165. 

Thomas,  45. 
Hanlon,  Dennis,  246. 
Hanna,  Samuel,  307. 
Happer,  A.  D.,  106,  132,  134,  135,  137,  273. 

Mrs.  A.  P.,  357. 
Harbison,  James,  301. 
Harding,  William  C,  239,  297. 
Hardy,  James,  290. 
Harnish,  Elizabeth,  360. 

Walter,  303. 
Harper,  Hector,  242. 

John,  242. 

John  M.,  273,  278. 

J.  H.,  310. 

William,  69,  149. 
Harris,  Elizabeth,  291. 

James,  128,  129,  271. 

Jean,  52. 

John,  45,  51. 

Mrs.  John,  361. 
Harrisburg  Synod,  12S,  345,  347,  349-35'- 
Harrisburg,  Pa.,  77,  82,  346,  347,  350,357. 
Harrison,  Annie,  121. 

Charles,  121. 

President,  93. 
Harrisville,  Ohio,  276. 
Harshbarger,  Francis  E.,  219. 

Miss,  333,  334. 


396 


INDEX. 


Hartmann,  J.  H.,  282. 

Hart's  Log  Church,  42,  61,  70,  99,  105-10S, 
1 68,  290,  342. 
Token,  62. 
Valley,  60,  241. 
Hartswick,  H.  B.,  308. 
J.  G.,  48,  144. 
Lizzie,  308. 
Hartzler,  Mary,  208. 

William,  208. 
Har\'ey,  Belle,  3O9. 
Haslett,  Joseph,  70. 
Hassinger,  Eliza,  208. 
Isabelle,  208. 
Leah,  208. 
Nora,  208. 
Peter,  206,  226. 
William,  208. 
William  E.,  208. 
Hastings,  D.  H.,  78. 

Eli,  234,  235. 
Hatfield,  Benjamin,  108. 

Charles  P.,  107,  108,  303. 
John,  108. 
Mrs.,  315. 
Samuel,  107,  213. 
Haughawant,  L.  L.,  131,  231,  245,  281. 
Haupt,  Herman,  174,  320. 

Mrs.  Herman,  174. 
Hawes,  Lowman  P.,  172. 
Hawke,  Elizabeth  J.,  208. 
Hawn,  Isaac,  236. 
Hays,  Emma,  338,  364. 
family,  99. 
George  P.,  114. 
L.  W.,  289,  290. 
Rev.,  336. 
Hazlett,  John  W.,  286. 
Silas,  286. 

William,  216,  283,  285,  286. 
Hazzard's  Register,  43. 
Head,  Jesse,  169. 
Heaney,  James,  258,  271. 
Hedding,  Ephraim,  47. 
Hannah,  47. 
Noah,  46. 
Thomas  M.,  47. 
Heffly,  David  F.,  158. 
Hegerty,  Isaac,  210,  305. 


Hegerty,  William,  130,  131. 
Heichold,  J.  L.  R.,  30S. 
Heims,  Mrs.,  320. 
Helman,  W.  W.,  175. 
Ilemstreet,  Oliver,  233. 
Hench,  A.  L.,  122. 
Henderson,  A.  Clay,  2S6. 
Andrew,  168. 
B.  F.,  120,  240. 
B.  R.,  211. 
Eliza,  342. 

John  R.,  155,  2H,  282,  290. 
Julia,  120. 
Hennamon,  J.  M.,  117,  120. 
Henry,  H.  H.,  136-138,  303,  322. 
James  K.,  195. 
William,  150. 
Henson,  P.  S.,  114. 
Hepburn,  Samuel,  76. 
Hepler,  David  E.,  258, 
Herron,  Charles,  146. 
Herxtall,  Mr.,  317. 
Heslott,  Joseph,  149. 
Hesser,  Harry  S.,  279. 
Hewitt,  Benjamin  L.,  82. 
Daniel,  293. 
Homer  H.,  294. 
Hickok,  John  H.,  182,  307 
Hicks,  Clara  K.,  20 

J.  G.,315. 
Hight,  Charles,  45. 
Hileman,  James,  228,  229. 
John  M.,  121,  122. 
Joseph,  160. 
Mrs.  John  M.,  121. 
Hill,  A.  M.,  308. 

Samuel,   132,   137,   151,   156,   186,   187, 
193.  194,  262,  265. 
Hills,  Ashley  M.,  144. 

C.  A.,  267,  26S. 
Hirst,  Jacob,  311. 

J.  G.,  no. 
Historical  Sketches,  299. 
Hitchcock,  R.  S.,  164. 
Hodgers,  William  H.,  304. 
Hoge,  John,  22,  42,  56,  70. 

Thomas,  150. 
Hogg,  Robert,  42. 
Hoke,  Elizabeth,  46. 


INDEX. 


397 


Holland,  lOO. 

Holliday,  Adam,  63. 

James,  159. 

John,  100. 

Samuel,  206. 

Holliday,  Pa.,  203. 

HoUidaysburg  Church,  63,  159-161,  163,  193, 

220,    256,    27S,    282,    291,    301,    304, 

35S. 

Seminary,  loi,  164. 

HoUidaysburg,  Pa.,  41,  63,  67,  70,  102,  159, 

187,  189,  332,  334,  335,  339,  344,  348,  352, 

354,  35S,  359- 
HoUiday's  Mill,  67. 

Hollifield,  A.  N.,  172,  237,  335,  347-349. 
Hollingsworth,  Jessie,  306. 
Holmes,  James  II.,  271. 

W.  M.,  215. 
Holtzworth,  Margaret,  323. 
Home  Missions,  32,  182. 
Hooper,  Clyde  E.,  302. 

W.  A.,  133,  137,  273. 
Hoopes,  Ezra,  310. 
Hoover,  George,  1 78.  1 

Jackson,  179,327. 

Jacob,  192. 
Hope,  Matthew  B.,  34,  343. 
Horning,  Anna  S.,  208. 

James  J.,  290. 

Jane,  208. 

Maggie  J.,  208. 

Mary  E.,  208. 
Hosterman,  Benjamin  F.,  208. 

Carrie  E.,  208. 

Julia,  208. 

Oliver  H.,  208. 
Hotchkin,  G.  B.,  119. 
Hot  Springs,  N.  C,  360. 
Houser,  Samuel,  305. 
Houtz,  D.,  107. 
Houtzdale  Church,  165,  325. 
Houtzdale,  Pa.,  165,  167. 
Howder,  John,  301. 
Howell,  John  G.,  296. 

Samuel  N.,  142,  146,  284. 
Hower,  Samuel,  70,  149. 
Hoy,  Adam,  74. 
Hubert,  Michael,  169. 
Hublersburg  Church,  167,  184,  220,  264,  32S. 


Hudson,  Atchison  B.,  247. 

George,  241,  247. 

George  T.,  247. 

Henry  R.,  249. 

John,  247. 

John  P.,  1S4. 

Joseph,  309. 

William  A.,  247. 
Hudson  Grist  Mill,  242. 
Hudson,  Wis.,  344. 
Huey,  John,  286. 

William,  286,  321. 

William  H.,   192. 
Hughes,  Cassandra,  46. 

Daniel  L.,  188,  189,  217,  232,  234,  248, 
263,  266,  267,  272,  284. 

Fanny,  46. 

Hugh  E.,  46. 

James,  46. 

James  P.,  14,  123. 

J.  V.  R.,  141. 

Mary,  46. 

P.  V.  R.,  123. 
Huguenots,  65,  70,  102. 
Huling,  Eliza,  222. 
Humes,  E.  C,  102,  129. 

Hamilton,  129. 

John,  207. 

Myra,  339. 
Hummelstown,  Pa.,  153. 
Hunt  Church,  301,  302. 
Hunt,  Father,  361. 

George,  240. 

Thomas  P.,  291. 
Hunt,  Pa.,  302. 
Hunter,  David  G.,  195,  272. 

Edward,  107, 

family,  313. 

James,  193,  195. 

John,  158. 

John  A.,  124. 

John  M.,  15S. 

Nettie,  3:5. 

William  A.,  223,  248. 
Huntingdon  Church,  20,  42,  61,  70,  106,  l6S, 
170-174,  256,342,347,  349. 

Countess  of,  21,  169. 

County,    70,   71,  74-76,   101,    102,   211, 
329- 


598 


INDEX. 


Huntingdon,  Pa.,  21,  70,  72,  73,  139,  160, 
169-171,  173,  190,  212,  216,  255,  256,  273, 

334.  335.  337.  339.  340,  342,  347.  349-351. 
357-359- 

Huntingdon  Presbytery,  7,  II,  12,  14,  35-38, 
40,  1,43,53,56-58,62-68,70-72,74- 
79,  86,  91-94,  96,  98,  99,  loi,  103,  til, 
115,  117-122,  125,  126,  128,  131,  133- 
137,  140-142. 145,  146,  150-152,  155- 
157.  159-163,  165,  168,  171-174.  177. 
179-191,  194,  195,  197-201,  203-206, 
210,  212,  215-219,  221-223,  225-227, 
229,  231,  232,  234,  236-238,  240-244, 
248,  250,  251,  255-258,  260-265,  268, 
271-275,  282-2S5,  287-289,  292,  294- 
299.  307.  313.  317.  325.  328-330.  332- 
334.  337-341,  343.  345.  347-349.  35  >- 
356,  35S,  362,  364. 
Hurrell,  Christopher,  45. 

John,  45. 
Huston,  Charles,  73,  78. 
family,  54. 
James,  59. 
Hutchinson,  J.  M.,  175. 
Robert,  177. 
S.  H.,  359. 
Hutchison,  Ann,  112. 
James,  m,  112. 
John,  34,  47,  53,66,67,   108,   161,   197, 

283,  288. 
Thomas,  307. 
Hylands,  John,  45. 
Hyndman  Church,  174,  328. 

Ickes,  J.  W.,  llS. 

Igou,  Mrs.,  313. 

Independents  of  Ireland,  243. 

Index  of  Illustrations,  7. 

India,  135,  154,  269,  278,  321,  330,  331,  333, 

335.  338,  339.  343- 
Indiana,  153. 
Indiana  County,  161. 

Indians,  17,  18,  41,  51,  53,  55,  57,  68,  105, 
147,  154,  159,  164,  196,  200,  236,  254, 
282,  287,  343.  344.  348.  355.  357. 
361. 

Ingles,  G.  S.,  239. 

Ingram,  William,  192. 

Iowa,  189,  206. 


Ireland,  100,  186,   197,   204,  2I4,  243,  244, 

262,  2S7,  308. 
Ireland,  John,  62. 
Irvin,  Alice,  323. 

Crawford,  165. 

E.  A.,  146,  174,  323. 

James,  129,  144. 

James  D.,  II3,  117,  118,  312. 

J.  \V.,  178,  259. 

T.  Van,  290. 

William,  201. 
Irvine,  Anna,  335,  339,  344,  359. 

Charlotte,  339,  344,  352.  354,  358. 

James  E.,  1 18-120,  175,  184. 
Irving,  Rev.,  335. 
Irvona  Church,  145,  157,  174,  175. 
Irvonia,  320. 
Irwin,  Allison,  301. 

Anna,  301. 

A.  R.,  196. 

Charlotte,  301. 

Christopher,  45. 

family,  313. 

Hudson,  196. 

J.  D.,312. 

L.  W.,  195. 

William,  301. 

William  S.,  47. 
Isaacs,  Samuel,  306. 
Isenberg,  B.  F.,  170. 
Isett,  E.  B.,  318. 

Eleanor,  318. 

Samuel,  293. 

W.  D.,  199,  318. 

Jack's  Narrows,  60. 
Jackson,  Catherine,  291. 

family,  327. 

George  F.,  113,  1 18,  1 19. 

Hugh  A.,  248,  327. 

Robert,  138. 

Sheldon,  347-349- 
Jackson,  Alaska,  360. 
Jacobs,  George,  82. 

Hugh,  206 

John,  201,  306. 
Jaggard,  Clement,  1 13. 
James,  Darwin  R.,  357. 
Jamieson,  Edmund  F.,  198. 


INDEX. 


399 


Jamieson,  E.  L.,  323. 
Janesville,  Pa.,  305. 
Japan,  135,  331,  333,  335,  338,  339. 
Jardine,  Andrew,  214,  230,  243. 
Jefferson  College,  see  Washington  and  Jeffer- 
son. 
Jefferson  County,  79. 
Jenkins,  David,  226. 

D.  B.,  228. 
Mary  A.,  20S. 

Jersey  Shore,  loi. 
John  Elliot's  Folly,  274. 
Johnson,  Annie  J.,  208. 
Conrad,  247. 

E.  F.,  233. 
Hugh,  242. 
Ira  C,  301. 

James,  22,  42,  48,  68,  70,  14S,  150,  161, 
183,  185,  204,  282,  283. 

John,  22,  34,  42,  61,  70,  99,  106, 
133,  160,  161,  168,  171,  241,  249, 
261. 

Mrs.  David,  315. 

Mrs.  E.  F.,  339.  I 

M.  Lucretia,  20S. 

Orlie,  208. 

Richard  M.,  208. 

Robert  M.,  158,  177,  324. 

Sarah  P.,  275. 
Johnson  City,  Tenn.,  131. 
Jolly,  A.  H.,  61,  329. 

Mrs.  A.  H.,  359. 

Mrs.  M.,  316. 

S.  T.,  99,  106. 
Jones,  C.  S.  W.,  316. 

Eliz.ibeth,  316,  272. 

Emma,  316. 

John  Penn,  301. 

Mrs.  C.  E.,  120. 

Mrs.  Samuel,  274. 

Samuel,  274. 
Jordan,  Francis,  77. 

Hugh,  142,  144. 
Joseph,  David,  201. 
Jubilee  Hymn,  126. 
Juniata  Church,  no,  117,  120,  164,  175-177, 

313- 
County,  44,  66,  71,  76,  81,  loi,  102,  287, 

329- 


Juniata  River,  7,  43,  49,  51,  52,  58,  60,  63, 
65.  67,  68,  70,  98,  134,  160,  169,  204. 

Valley,  17,  19,  48,  50,  59,  100,  159,  240. 
Juniata,  Pa.,  176,  177. 
Junkin,  Benjamin  F.,  76. 

D.  X.,  112,  126,  163. 

George,  102,  163. 

Kable,  Anna  M.,  208. 
Kansas,  73,  190. 
Kauffman,  Benjamin,  315. 

Benjamin  F.,  212. 

Daniel,  315. 

family,  212. 

Henry,  315. 

M.  Josephine,  208. 

William,  315. 
Kay,  Elizabeth,  295. 

John,  295,  296. 
Kearns,  Henry,  323. 

J.  Edmund,  146,  193,  231,  281. 

John  C,  192. 

Joseph,  192. 

Willis  F.,  192. 
Keefer,  John  H.,  117,  118,  312. 
Kegel.  C.  J.,  276,  278,  316. 
Keister,  Kate,  314. 
Keith,  D.  S.,  no,  311. 
Keller  family,  99. 
Kelley,  John,  242. 

Nathaniel,  241. 
Kelly,  Ann  B.,  46. 

David,  69,  149. 

Elizabeth,  47. 

James,  46. 

John,  45,  201. 

John  P.,  202,  231. 

Joseph,  44,  46,  201. 

Joseph  C,  II,  13,  40,  114,  115,  152,  153, 
265,  269,  294. 

Maggie,  339. 

Margaret,  47. 

Mar>- J.,  301. 

Moses,  46,  191,  300. 
Kelso,  C.  W.,  82. 
Kemp,  Philip,  259. 
Kendig  family,  99. 
Kennedy,  Gilbert,  242,  246. 

J.,  51,  197,  2S7. 


400 

Kennedy,  Samuel,  66,  68. 

William,  179,  2S3. 
Kennote,  C.  F.,  196. 
Kenny,  Matthew,  69,  I49. 
Kephart,  J.  \V.,32i. 
Kepner,  John,  23I. 
Kepperly,  Anna  Belle,  120. 
J.  B.,  120. 
Mrs.  H.  S.,  120. 
Ker,  John,  169. 
Judge,  102. 
Rev.,  340. 
Kerlin,  Mrs.,  316. 
Kerr,  Bell,  306. 
David  M.,  208. 
James,  144. 
John,  45,  216. 
J.  Homer,  258,  326. 
Robert,  249. 
William,  259. 
Kerrmoor  Church,  157,  177,  178,  32?- 
Kershaw,  Charles,  170. 
Keystone  Herald,  177. 
Kiefhaber,  Elizabeth,  208. 

Ferdinand,  208. 
Kilbarchan,  Scotland,  289. 
Kimberly,  Mary  M.,  208. 
Kimmell,  F.  M.,  74. 
Kincaid,  Maxwell,  311. 
Kinch,  C.  E.,  177. 

E.  C,  313- 
Kiner,  Emma,  208. 
John,  207. 
William,  208. 
Kinfell,  Ada  B.,  208. 
King,  Alexander,  74. 
Calvin  C,  I13. 
Christian,  295. 
family,  55. 
John,  63,  160. 
Jonas,  358. 
Lucretia,  301. 
Margaret,  295. 
William,  258. 
King  Chiang  Mai,  238. 
Kingsbury,  John  A.,  311. 
Kinkead,  Deborah,  29I. 
James,  293. 
James  M.,  297. 


INDEX. 


Kinkead,  Maxwell,  113,  291,  293. 
Kirk,  Anna  E.,  208. 
Kirkpatrick  School,  lOI. 
Kishacoquillas,  67,  70. 

Valley,  68,  70,  282. 
Kitchell,  C.  S.,  112. 
Kittatinny  Mountains,  17. 

Point,  159. 
Kittatinny,  Pa.,  159. 
Kline,  Daniel,  174,  175. 
David,  174. 
Elizabeth,  140. 
Enoch,  loS. 
John,  140. 
Mrs.  David,  174. 
William,  122,  124,  177. 
Klippert,  Margaret  M.,  208. 
Knepp,  Callie  E.,  208. 
Jacob,  208. 
Jane  H.,  208. 
John,  286. 
Knight,  J.  A.,  340,  359. 
Knox,  Alexander,  120,  165. 
James,  112. 
May,  120,  122. 
S.  T.,  120-122. 
Kochenderfer,  D.  D.,  2S2. 
Kolaphur,  317. 
Koons,  John,  201,  236. 
Kratzer,  John,  195. 
Krebs,  D.  L.,  74,  144. 
Krine,  John,  46. 
Kuhn,  Emily  W.,  357. 
Jacob,  45. 

Mrs.  William  C,  352. 
R.  S.,  248. 

William  C,  140,  141,  17S,  190,  231,  235, 
244,  248,  295. 
Kumler,  J.  P.  E.,  12,  13,  S5. 
Kunkel  family,  99. 
Kunns,  Henry,  146. 
Kylar,  Catherine,  140. 
Conrad  W.,  178. 
George  J.,  140. 
Kyle,  Anna,  67,  322. 
Crawford,  152. 
John,  70,  149. 
Joseph,  151. 
Judge,  58. 


INDEX. 


401 


Kyle,  Squire,  2(14. 

William  M.,  152. 
Kylertown  Church,   178,  179,   igo,  216,  220, 

295- 
Kylertown,  Pa.,  178,  179,  327. 

Lack  Township,  66. 

Ladies'  Aid  Societies,  iiS,  137,  145,  174-176, 

209,  228,  230,  233,  2S0,  294. 
Lafayette  College,  134,  275,  276,  303. 
Laird,  Ann  S.,  46. 

Calvin,  108. 

Hugh.  309. 

Jacob,  169. 

Jane,  46. 

John,  214,  215. 

Joseph  H.,  214. 

Mrs.S.  C,  316. 

Osborne,  199. 

Samuel,  309. 

Stuart,  45. 

S.  C,  316. 

William  C,  215,  278,  290,  304. 

Wilson,  47,  202.  I 

Lamb,  David,  1S3. 

William,  301. 
Lancaster,  Ohio,  181. 
Lancaster,  Pa.,  139. 
Land  office,  66. 
Landis,  A.  S.,  12,  13,  48,  71,  165,  301,  329, 

339- 

George  A.,  219,  338. 

J.  H.,  323. 

Mrs.  A.  S.,  301,  339. 

Mrs.  G.  A.,  338. 

Mrs.  L.  S.,  359. 

William  M.,  208. 
Landrum,  57,  148. 
Langill,  E.  R.,  145. 
Laos,  130,  238,  331,  335. 
La  Porte,  Adolplius  M.,  277,  279. 

Mrs.  Adolphus  M.,  339,  359. 
Lashell,  James  M.,  286. 
Lalhem,  A.  L.,  147. 
Laughlin,  liertha  K.,  208. 

Uavid,  45. 

Mary,  46. 

Mary  B.,  408. 

Robert,  45. 


Laughlin,  Thomas,  214. 
Laughman,  Annie  M.,  112. 

Daniel,  III,  112,  1:9,  311. 

Ira,  312. 

Ira  J.,  116. 

Mary  A.,  112. 
Laurie,  William,  12S,  129,  271. 
Laurimore  family,  304. 

Hugh,  235. 
Law,  Ann,  47. 

James,  45. 

Mary  Ann,  46. 

Sarah,  47. 

William,  45. 
Lawrence,  Samuel,  217,  218,  239,  275,  297. 
Lawshe,  John,  229. 
Lawson,  Orr,  194,  263,  274. 

W.  C,  347. 
Lay  judges,  77. 
Leach,  Mr.,  114. 
Leattor,  William  J.,  208. 
Lees,  Julia,  306. 

J.  W.,  177. 
Leesburg,  Va.,  160. 
Leeter,  Mr.,  67. 
Leffard,  Adam,  207-209,  272-274,  277. 

Anna  M.,  208. 

Emily,  208. 

John  F.,  208. 

Joseph  T.,  208. 

Laura,  322. 

Mary,  208,  272. 

Sally  E.,208. 
Legislature,  80,  81,  82. 
Lemont  Church,  253. 
Leonard,  James  M.,  178. 

Mr.,  167,  17S. 

Patrick,  169. 
Levingston,  Catherine,  295. 
Lewey,  Emil,  175,  177,  198,  231. 
Lewis  and  Ckark,  66. 
Lewis,  Joshua,  169. 

Samuel  T.,  210,  230. 
Lewisburg,  Pa.,  180,  347. 
Lewistown   Church,  8t,   102,    150,    179-182, 
205,  225,  283,  306,  334,  349,  354,  357, 

363- 
Church  token,  62. 
Classical  School,  188. 


26 


402 


INDEX. 


Lcwistown  Narrows,  60,  204.  I 

Lewislown,   Pa.,  58,  59,  70,  204,  249,    275, 

306.  332.  334.  335.  337.  340.  34^*.  35°, 

358. 
Lichtenthaler,  G.  II.,  324. 
Lick  Run  Church,  125,   126,  154,  183,  184, 

220,  263,  301. 
Liddell,  Robert,  158. 
Liggett,  Jane,  46. 
Light,  John,  169. 
Lightner,  Mr.,  130. 
Likely,  William,  241. 
Linden  Hall,  55. 
Lindsey,  Alice,  313. 

Hugh,  302. 
Linn  family,  99,  loi. 

James,  64,  66,   102,  125-127,   129,   142, 

161,  178,  183,  194,  216,  220,  234,  273, 

292.  343- 

John,  67,  142,  161. 

John  B.,  53,  65,  142,  161. 

J.  H.,  129. 

Samuel,  74,  78,  129. 

William,  51,  53,  6S,  142,  161. 
Litterkenny  Presbytery,  262. 
Little  Aughwick  Church,  240,  241,  244-246. 
Little  Cove,  50. 
Little  Valley  Church,  151,  154,  185-193,  284, 

285,  300. 
Little  Valley,  Pa.,  185,  188,  189. 
Livingston  family,  54. 

George,  259. 

W.  S.,  107,  119,  303. 
Lloyd,  Jane  E.,  112. 

John,  120. 

William  M.,  111-113,  311. 
Lock  Haven,  Pa.,  53. 
Lock's  Mills,  Pa.,  21S. 
Logan's  Valley  Church,  127,  137,  193,  194- 

196,  264,  273,  278,  313,  356. 
Logan's  Valley,  Pa.,  193,  194,  3I3- 
Log  Cabin  Church,  43,  55. 
Log  College,  41. 
Lomison,  W.  T.,  317- 
Long,  C.  P.,  264. 
Elizabeth,  295. 

George,  295,  296. 
Henry,  192,  300. 

Mary,  192. 


Long,  Mrs.  Henry,  192. 

M.,  56. 

W.  J.,  230. 
Longenecker,  J.  II.,  74. 
Los  Angeles,  Calif.,  115,  359. 
Loss,  Isaac,  129. 
Lossie,  Robert,  174. 
Lost  Creek  Church,  49,66,  196-198,288,  2S9, 

323.360.361. 
Lost  Creek  Valley,  2S7. 
Louden,  James,  215. 

William,  176. 
Louder,  J.  A.,  264. 
Loudon,  Lottie,  323. 
Lourimore,  Hugh,  122. 
Louthere,  James,  281. 
Lower,  Daniel,  293,  300. 

Samuel  B.,  207. 

Zacheus,  138. 
Lower  Spruce  Creek  Church,  199,  200,  263, 

264,  318. 
Lower  Tuscarora  Church,  42-45,  49,  67,  153, 

200-203,  214,  215,  236,  310,  328. 
Lower  Tuscarora  Temperance  Society,  44. 
Lower  Wayne,  60. 
Lowrie,  John  G.,  129. 

J.  Robert,  303. 

J.  R.,  133,  136,  138. 

Mrs.,  303. 

Sarah,  303. 

S.  R.,  137.  335- 

S.  T.,99,  loi,  106. 

Walter,  133,  138. 

W.  L.,  277. 
Ludwig,  Mrs.,  323. 
Lumber  City,  327. 
Lutherans,  121,   139,  155,  157,  160,  173.  212, 

219,  230,  234,  300,  304,  307,  316. 
Luiz,  Letitia,  209.  ^ 

Lydick,  Ada,  328. 

W.  F.,  145. 
Lyons,  Ada,  305. 

family,  60,  99,  loi,  321. 

Rebecca,  318. 
Lytle,  Griffith,  259. 

W.  A.,  196. 
Lytte,  John,  165. 


INDEX. 


403 


McAlevy,  George  M.,  170. 

William,  69,  170. 
McAlevy's  Fort,  248. 
McAllister,  H.  N.,  78,  102,  129. 

J.  Hutchinson,  290. 

Robert,  45. 

Sarah,  198,  360. 

Steven  Lloyd,  199. 

William  H.,  198. 

William  T.,  140. 
McAllisterville  Church,  197,  200. 
McAllisterville,  Pa.,  196,  198,  323. 
McAteer,  H.  J.,  108. 
McBeth,  W.  C,  146. 
McBruley,  Daniel,  239. 
McCahan,  John,  45. 
McCahan's  Mill,  160. 
McCalla,  W.  L.,  239. 
McCalmont,  John,  301. 
McCamant,  Graham,  193. 

Samuel,  316. 

Samuel  S.,  199,  272,  273,  276-279. 

Thomas,  82. 
McCamant's  Forge,  196.  < 

McCarthy,  A.  M.,  315. 

A.  Rebecca,  208. 

C.  R.,  170,  249. 

Elizabeth,  208. 

Henry,  169. 

John  R.,  285. 

Mrs.  V.  B.,  315. 

V.B.,  315. 

Winchester,  226. 

W.  B.,  170,  302. 
McCartney,  John,  108,  165. 

Robert,  62,  264. 
McCauIey,  Albert  E.,  116,  312. 

H.  K.,  113,  115,  311. 

Thomas,  III,  112,  195,  351. 
McCay,  James,  69,  149. 

William,  179. 
McClain,  Anna  Catherine,  291. 

Lazarus,  291. 
McClanahan,  Elizabeth,  295. 
McClatchy,  Thomas,  178. 
McClay,  Samuel,  180. 
McClcahan,  W.  C,  220. 
McClean,  O.  O.,  102,  113,  133,  172,  173,  181, 
218,  272,  289,  358. 


McClean,  William,  242. 
McClellan,  Martha,  lOO. 

Robert,  70,  149,  307,  319. 
McClintock,  Hugh,  219. 
McCloskey,  William,  259. 
McClure,  A.  K.,  82. 

family,  146. 

H.  M.,  76. 

James,  183. 

James  G.,  281. 

James  S.,  69,  149. 
McClure's  Country,  147. 
McConaughy,  Mr.,  80. 
McConnell,  Alexander,  168. 

John,  281. 

Martha,  342. 
McCord,  James  N.,  158. 
McCormick  Seminary,  175. 
McCormick,  Elizabeth  J.,  311. 

family,  54,  99. 

George,  53,  54,  259. 

John,  112,  115. 

Mary,  112. 

Rosa  C,  208. 

William,  301. 

William  A,,  294,  301. 

William  C,  165,  311. 
McCoy,  Emma  W.,  357. 

James  G.  208. 

Jonathan,  201. 

John,  45,  47. 

John  S.,  208. 

Joseph,  45. 

Lizzie,  303. 

Robert  A.,  276,  277,  279. 

T.  F.,  81,  182. 

William,  107. 
McCracken,  John,  45. 
McCreary,  J.  S.,  327. 
McCrum,  John,  290. 

Joseph,  290. 
McCrury,  J.  S.,  177,  178. 
McCullochs,  Elder,  305. 
McCulloch's  Mills,  214,  215,  236,  323. 
McCuUough,  Joseph,  131. 

William,  131. 
McCully,  George  W.,  130,  131,  165,  174,  229, 

305- 
Mrs.  George  W.,  130. 


404 

McCuUy,  William,  130. 
McCune,  John  II.,  312. 
J.  A.,  117,  118. 
R.  Lewis,  231,  244,  281. 
Samuel,  242. 
S.  C,  206,  226,^227. 
Thomas,  107,  160,  164. 
McCurdy,  Thomas,  290. 

T.  A.,  114. 
McDonald,  Andrew,  46. 
Ann  C,  47. 
Charles,  46. 
David  L.,  281. 
Eleanor,  46. 
James,  47. 
John,  46. 
J.  A.,  166,  167. 
Katharine,  46. 
Lydia,  47. 
Mary,  47. 

N.  A.,  237,  238,;247,  320. 
Samuel  R.,  244,  248,  285. 
McDougall,  Rev.,  160. 
McDowell,  Carson,  226. 
Edward  D.,  312. 
Edward  W.,  116. 
family,  54. 

John,  57,  68,  70,  149,  282. 
Mr.,  100. 
McElheny,  John,  155. 
McElroy,  Ale.\ander,  242. 

James,  107. 
McEnally,  J.  B.,  74. 
McEwen,  E.,  175. 
McEaddcn,  lluj^h,  180. 
Samuel,  45. 
William  W.,  232. 
McFarland,  Albert,  196. 
McFarlane,  Albert,  313. 
family,  313. 
Margaret,  318. 
McFarlin,  Harry  S.,  117. 
McGaughey,  J.  C,  175,  320. 
McGee,  George,  241. 

W.  A.,  312. 
McGeehon,  William  A.,  326. 
McGehon,  T.,  249. 
McGinnes,  W.  Y.,  309. 
McGinness,  Miss,  338. 


INDEX. 


McGinnis,  George,  244. 

James  Y.,  34,  loi,  238,   243,   245,  247, 

248,  281, 
John,  45. 
Wilson,  248. 
McGlanchlin,  Archie,  247. 
McGonnigle  family,  304. 
Hugh,  304. 
H.  A.,  235. 
McGrew  family,  54. 

Joseph,  53. 
Mcllhenny,  George,  45. 
John,  261,  262,  265. 
Mcllvain,  William,  169. 
Mcllvaine,    Alexander,    240,   241,   243,    246, 

280. 
McKean,  Charles  B.,  145,  174,  I75>  320. 
Ella,  174. 

John,  157,  190,  231,  237. 
Miss,  354- 

Mrs,  Charles  B.,  174. 
Robert,  339. 
Samuel,  122,  124. 
Thomas,  73. 
McKee,  Anna,  208. 
Anna  M.,  208. 
George,  207,  208. 
James,  241,  246,  247. 
James  Y.,  259,  270,  271. 
Jennie,  208. 
John  G.,  165. 
M.  Alice,  208. 
Thomas,  129. 
William  B.,  123,  309. 
McKenman,  John,  304. 
McKennaw,  M.  J.,  249. 
McKenney,  Samuel,  169. 
McKennun,  Patrick,  45. 
McKibbens,  Joseph,  69. 
McKillips,  Hugh,  291. 
Jane,  291. 
Jessie  Y.,  208. 
Susan,  208. 
T.  Emory,  208. 
McKim,  David,  56,  258. 

Robert,  54. 
McKinley,  R.   A.,   140,   142,   143-145.  »77. 
295. 
Mrs.  R.  A.,  339. 


INDEX. 


405 


McKinney,  David,   34,    III,    156,   162,   194, 
234,  256,  259,  296. 

D.,  248. 

Edmund,  143. 

I.  M.,  162,  164. 

John,  98,  99,   102,   106,   194,  234,  262, 
296. 

William  W.,  162-164. 
McKinstry,  Catherine,  222. 
McKnight,  Williamson,  47. 
McLanathan,  Robert  G.,  276,  277,  279. 
McLaughlin,  James,  201,  236. 

John,  47,  202,  236. 

Lillie  M.,  208. 

Samuel,  202. 
McManamy,  Florence,  193. 
McManigle,  John,  70,  149. 

Neal,  70,  149. 
McManus,  James,  78. 
McMillan,  William,  240. 
McMinch,  Thomas,  239. 
McMuUin  family,  54. 

John,  S3. 
McMurtrie,  David,  169,  173.  < 

Mrs.  William,  343. 

R.  A.,  82. 
McNaer,  John,  225. 
McNair  family,  99. 
McNamara,  Maggie,  120. 

Thomas  C,  120. 
McNeal,  John,  324. 

Taylor,  324. 

W.  B.,  313. 
McNear,  John,  308. 

William,  309. 
McNeel,  Isaac,  177. 

James,  156,  158,  242. 

Robert,  242. 

W.  B.,  175-177. 
McNight,  W.  P.,  306. 
McNinch,  Rev.,  184,  282. 
McNite,  D.  S.,  310. 

J.  C,  310. 
McNitt,  Alexander,  69,  149. 

John,  69,  149. 

J.  C,  220. 

Robert,  69,  149. 

William,  69,  149. 
McPherron,  John,  134,  138. 


McRae,  Thaddeus,  206,  227. 

McVeytown  Church,   192,  203-206,  225-227, 

274.  30O1  309- 
McVeytown,  Pa.,  60,  203,  204,  362,  363. 
McVicar  family,  54. 

James,  240. 
McWilliams,  Elizabeth,  208. 

family,  321. 

Judge,  102. 

Samuel,  47,  208. 

William,  234,  235. 
Mackay,  J.  W.,  315. 
Mackey,  James,  222. 
Macklin,  Anna  L.,  208. 

Effie,  20S. 

E.  Jennie,  20S. 

George  H.,  207—209. 

James,  207-209,  322,  362,  363. 

Jessamine,  208. 

Laura,  322. 

Laura  J.,  208. 

Mrs.  George  H.,  209. 

William,  206-208. 
Maclay,  Brown,  220. 

family,  99,  loi. 

Mrs.  Dr.,  354. 

Mrs.  William,  339. 

Robert  T.,  286. 

Samuel,  102,  218,  220,  310. 

William  P.,  2S5. 
Madera  Church,  131,  157,  210,  305. 
Madison  Avenue  Church,  181. 
Madough,  John,  45. 
Magee,  James,  241. 

W.  A.,  113. 
Magill,  Effie  E.,  208. 

Hugh,  22,  42-44,  52,  66,  70,  197,  200, 
287,  288. 
Mahon,  James  C,  222. 
Mahoning  Church,  161. 
Mairs,  Elizabeth,  46. 

Thomas,  46. 
Malin,  Rev.,  230. 
Mann,  Ann,  112. 

Charles  J.,  ni-113,  312. 

Job,  78. 
Mann's  Choice  Church,  210,  211,  240,  326. 
Manor  Hill,  248. 
Mansfield,  Ohio,  112,  113. 


4o6 


INDEX. 


Mapleton  Church,   211-213,   224,  228,  314, 

3'5- 
Mapleton,  Pa.,  211-214. 
Marklesburg,  Pa.,  355. 
Marshall,  David,  242. 

G.  W.,  319. 

James,  220,  246. 

Joseph  W.,  141. 

Robert,  242,  246. 

William,  246. 
Martha  Furnace,  122. 
Martin,  Elizabeth,  46. 

George,  45,  169,  199. 

George  H.,  290. 

Hugh,  69,  149. 

Isabella  Y.,  46. 

James,  22,  42,  55,  56,  60,  68,  70,  132, 
133.  254,  255,  261,  265. 

Jane,  242. 

Jeanette,  120. 

John,  120,  291. 

J.  W.,  121. 

Margaret,  46. 

Marion,  46. 

Martha,  46. 

Matthew,  242. 

Mr,  7. 

Nancy,  291. 

Nathaniel,  46. 

Samuel,  312. 

Thomas,  59,  214. 

William,  45. 
Martinsburg,  W.  Va.,  163. 
Martin's  Ferry,  O.,  121. 
Marlinville  Church,  147,  158. 
Martyn,  Henry,  355. 
Maryland,  102. 
Mateer,  Agnes,  208. 

Eugene  H.,  152,  206,  207,  209. 

Jessie  E.,  208. 

Mary  E.,  208,  209,  322. 
Mathers,  James,  82. 

John  H.,  82. 

Joseph  H.,  11-13,  16,  48,  52,  113,  114, 
117-119,  145,  152,  174,  177,  194,  196, 
211,  231,  298,  304,  313,  356,  361. 

Mrs.  E.  C,  313. 

Thomas,  131. 
Maxwell,  Rev.,  360. 


278, 
318. 


Mayberry,  John,  56. 
Mayer,  Charles  A.,  74. 
Mayo,  Millie,  311. 
Mays,  D.  V.,  166. 
Means,  Francis  A.,  152. 

H.  F.,  233,  329,  364. 

James,  69. 

John,  69. 
Mehaffy,  G.  W.,  115. 
Melloy,  J.  L.,  297. 
Mentzer,  J.  F.,  306. 
Mercersburg,  Pa.,  63. 
Merrill,  William,  144. 
Merriman,  Edith,  322. 
Merron,  Mrs.,  327. 
Mervin,  Miles  T.,  I39,;i42,  146. 
Methodists,  165,  169,  192,  221,  232,238, 

292.  294,  300.  301.  304.  307.  3'3.  317. 
Metz,  J.  Grove,  292. 
Mevey,  John,  205,  206. 
Mexico,  298,  331. 
Mexico,  Pa.,  49,  196. 
Miami  Presbytery,  273. 
Middagh,  John,  45. 
Middle  Tuscarora  Church,  201,  202,214,  215, 

230,  231,  323. 
Mienhart  family,  60. 

Mifflin  County,  57,  65,  67,  71,  75,  76,  82,  lOl, 
102,  203,  209,  329. 
County  Court,  206. 
Mifflin,  Governor,  72,  81. 
Mifflinburg  Church,  257. 
Mifflintown  Church,  34,  49,  52,  66,  198,  287- 

290,  304.  3°5.  323.  353.  361,  362,  364. 
Mifflintown,  Pa.,  53,  76,  215,  287,  329,  335, 

339- 
Miles,  John  G.,  80,  302. 

Mrs.  John  G.,  173. 
Milcsburg  Church,  129,  215,  216,  220. 
Milesburg,  Pa.,  68,  139,  184,  317. 
Milford  Township,  200. 
Miller,  Benjamin,  342. 

Charles  H.,  170. 

Clara,  U2. 

Cooper,  304. 

D.  H.,  304. 

D.  W.,  235. 

Ellen,  112. 

G.  A,,3I5. 


INDEX. 


407 


Miller,  Isaac,  211. 

Jacob,  102,  168,  169,  302. 

John,  112,  304. 

John  D.,  309. 

Martha,  H2. 

Mary,  112. 

Mary  E.,  20S. 

Mrs.  W.  B.,  339,  359. 

N.  A.,  165. 

N.  H.,  1 18,  130,  233. 

William,  69,  149. 

William  C,  174. 

W.  Scott,  306. 
Millerstown,  Pa.,  242,  250. 
Millhall,  Pa.,  223. 
Milligan,  Edward,  45. 

James,  45. 

William,  259. 
Milliken,  F.  J.,  310. 

James,  46,  215. 

Margaret,  46. 

Martha,  46. 

Mary,  46. 

Milly,  46.  , 

Mrs.,  323. 

Robert,  151. 

Samuel,  46,  70,  149. 

S.  J.,  202,  231. 
Million  Dollar  Fund,  167. 
Mills,  Charles  R.,  134. 

Michael,  242. 
Milnwood  Academy,  238,  244,  247,  248. 
Milroy  Church,  190,  191,  215,  216,  218,  219, 

3>o.  352.  354- 
School,  10 1. 
Milroy,  Pa.,  217,  218,  231,  333-335. 
Milton,  loi. 
Milton,  Pa.,  279,  347. 
Miner,  Mrs.  Henry,  347. 
Minnesota,  297. 
Mission  Bands,  118,  154,  174,  224,  2S0,  331, 

349.  350.  353.  356-359.  364- 
Mission  Boards,  301,  302,  304,  307,  30S,  310, 
314,   318,    322-327,    330,    331,    341,   344- 

355- 
Mitchell,  Charles,  192. 
David,  235,  304. 
f.imily,  304,  327. 
James,  264. 


Mitchell,  John,  183. 

John  B.,  235,  304. 

Martha,  193,  300. 

Mrs.  A.  P.,  304. 

Mrs.  David  H.,  304. 

Rebecca  J.,  208. 

Samuel,  149. 

Stuart,  113,  335. 

William,  69,  149. 
Monongahela  Presbytery,  186. 
Monroe,  President,  73. 
Mons,  Jonas,  178. 

Peter,  Sr.,  179. 
Montague,  Jonathan,  249. 

Thomas,  247. 
Montgomery,  E.,  281. 

John,  281. 

Robert,  47. 

Samuel,  355. 

William,  335. 
Moody,  Mr.,  115. 
Moor,  George,  242. 
Moore,  Archibald,  60,  205. 

Charles  W.,  114. 

Colonel,  264. 

David  W.,  206. 

Dena,  323. 

family,  54. 

George,  45. 

John,  259,  292,  318. 

Johnson,  294. 

Joshua,  151,  275,  284,  292. 

J.  Walter,  277-279. 

Perry,  264. 

Robert  D.,28s. 

Samuel,  165. 

S.  M.,  99,    106,   III,   113,  123,  151,  235, 
237,  275,  276,  278,  280,  362. 

Thomas  B.,  165. 

William,  169,  206. 

William  A.,  60,  208. 

W.  H.,  199. 
Moorehead,  W.  W.,  211. 
Moreland,  Thomas,  242. 
Morgan,  Benjamin,  342. 

J.  H.,  305. 

Mr.,  139. 
Mormons,  344,  357. 
Morris,  Alexander  G.,  276,  277,  279. 


408 


INDEX. 


Morris,  Charles  A.,  279,  2S0. 

Julia  A.  J.,  317. 
Morrisdale  Church,  216,  220,  298. 

Mines,  324. 
Morrisdale,  Pa.,  178. 
Morrison,  Hugh,  23,  161. 

James  B.,  208. 

John  Moody,  281. 

Nora  M.,  208. 

William  S.,  244,  281. 
Morrow,  Alice,  306. 

Andrew,  45. 

A.  D.,  335,  339. 

D.  A.,  308. 

Eleanor,  46. 

Ella,  306. 

John  Blair,  281. 

Joseph  H.,  264,  306. 

J.  B.,  326. 

Mrs.  M.  J.,  326. 

Richard,  281. 

Richard  H.,  206. 

Robert,  Jr.,  306. 

Thomas,  281. 

William,  241,  242,  246. 

W.  H.,  195. 

W.  M.,  306. 
Morton,  James,  241,  246. 
Moshannon  Church,  220,  221,  277,  31 
Moss,  J.  H.,  175. 
Mountain   Female  Seminary,   134,   135, 

303- 
Mountain  Foot  Church,  244. 
Mount  Holyoke  College,  134. 
Mount  Joy  Church,  189. 
Mount  Olive  Church,  298. 
Mount  Pleasant  Church,   130,   156,    163, 

298. 
Mount  Union  Church,  221-224,  227,  228,  250, 

315.  358- 
Mount  Union,  Pa.,  223,  225,  249,  314,  339. 
Mowery,  Hannah,  208. 

Irvin  M.,  208. 
Meyer,  Clara  R.,  120. 

Nathaniel,  202. 

Silas,  312. 

Silas  C,  290. 

S.  M.,  118,  119. 
Mullen,  U.  Shannon,  211. 


328. 


137. 


232. 


Mullen,  J.  C,  131. 

William,  305. 
Muller  family,  99. 
Mullin,  James,  240. 
Murphy,  Thomas,  231,  241. 

William  J.,  157,  232. 
Murray,  Charles  E.,  233,  324 

family,  loi,  304. 

William,  108,  no,  235 
Muskelly,  Robert,  45. 
Musser  farm,  55,  56. 

George,  319. 
Mutchmore,  S.  A.,   12,  14,  loi. 
Myers,  Ella  M.,  208. 

G.  L.,  117,  119. 

Hemdon  M.,  279. 

William  O.,  279. 

Naginey,  Charles,  152. 

Robert  A.,  152. 
Neal,  William,  252. 
Neeley,  David  T.,  215. 

James,  281. 

J.  H.,  82. 
Neff,  John,  305. 

John  K.,  294. 
Neil,  James  L.,  301. 
Nelson,  John,  249. 

Margaret  I.,  47. 

Sarah,  47. 
Nesbit,  Alexander,  291. 
Neshaminy,  41. 
Neville-Craig  family,  99. 
Nevling,  H.  H.,  316. 

Mr.,  274. 
New  Bloomfield  Church,  259. 
New  Bloomfield,  Pa.,  76. 
New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  131,  180,  205. 
New  Castle  Presbytery,  150,  214,  255,  269. 

Second  Church,  128. 
New  Castle,  Pa.,  163. 
Newell,  N.  G.,  157. 
New  England,  102. 
New  Jersey,  102. 

College,  34,  51,  1 54,  269. 
New  Lisbon  Presbyter)',  189,  292. 
New  Mexico,  135. 
New  Milport  Church,  157. 
New  Side  Synod,  17. 


INDEX. 


409 


Newton    HamiUon    Church,   205,    206,   223- 

229,  249,  308,  309,  322,  328,  348. 
Newton  Hamilton,  l"a.,  115,  204,  205. 
Newton  Presbytery,  iSi,  190. 
New  York,  229,  238. 
New  York  and  Philadelphia  Synod,  19,  36, 

42,  65,  68,  71,  85,  235. 
New  York  Presbytery,  256. 
Nill,  James,  74. 
Nipple,  Mrs.  D.  C,  228. 
Nittany  Church,  223. 

Mountains,  55. 

Valley,  183. 
Nivling,  John  A.,  277. 

William  H.  H.,  278, 
Nixon,  James,  192. 

Samuel,  191. 
Noble,  Calvin,  28. 

John  E.,  282.     . 

Joseph  B.,  297. 

Joseph  E.,  297. 

William  B.,  297. 
Noll,  H.  P.,  180. 

Norcross,  Mrs.  George,  346-348.    • 
Norris,  J.  A.,  295. 
North  Carolina,  102. 
North,  H.  H.,  82. 
North  Mountains,  17. 
Northumberland  County,  355. 

Presbytery,   26,  42,   99,   loi,    184,   223, 
243.  257.  258,  345,  347. 
Northumberland,  Pa.,  68,  73. 
Norton,  Benjamin,  226,  309. 

Felix,  227. 

Jacob,  309. 

Mrs.  Jacob,  309. 
Noss,  Abram,  215. 
Nourse,  James,  151,  216,  217,  219. 
Nuns,  Rev.,  243. 

Ohio,  189,  190,  197,  287. 
Okeson,  Nicholas,  46. 

Samuel,  310. 
Old  Side  Synod,  17,  341. 
Old  Town,  Pa.,  142. 
Olean  Church,  121. 
Oliver,  Andrew,  321. 

family,  321. 

George,  207. 


Oliver,  John,  207. 

J.  C,  202,  227,  269,  321. 

Maggie  C,  208. 
Oliver  Township,  60. 
Olmstead,  James  M.,  214. 
Orange,  N.  J.,  Church,  127. 
Orbison,  Eleanor,  342. 

J.  H.,  338. 

Mrs.  N.  D.,  333,  335,  339. 

Mrs.  William  P.,  342. 

Pendleton,  ■Xi^^. 

R.  A.,  170. 

William  P.,  80,  170,  171,  237,  302. 
Orbisonia  Church  and  town,  120,  213,  227- 

229,  249,  250,  319. 
Orndorf,  William,  301. 
Orr  family,  54. 

William,  301. 
Orris,  S.  S  ,  48,  268,  269,  274. 
Orth  family,  99. 
Orvis,  J.  H.,  74. 
Osceola  Church,  229,  230,  233,  317,  318. 

Mills,  1 18. 
Osterloh,  Anna  M.,  1:2. 
Othwaite  family,  212. 
Otto,  Noah,  309. 
Over  Sea  and  Land,  332. 
Owens,  John,  102,   132,    138,    156,  273,  264, 

303- 
John  D.,  22S,  244. 
Oxford  Church,  276. 
Oxford,  Pa.,  363. 

Park,  Henry  W.,  144. 

Peter,  317. 
Parker,  Andrew,  82. 

Andrew  H.,  13,  39,  58,  152,  154,  304. 

Ezra  D.,  82. 

E.  Southard,  290. 

James,  180. 

Joseph  W.,  81. 

Olie  E.,  208. 
Parker-Denny  family,  99. 
Parsonages,  131,  136,  147,  156,  164,  173,  175, 
181,  195,  201,  206,  216,  218,  223,  224,  233, 
263,  266,  268,  277,  281,  286,  292,  293,  316. 
Parsons,  Samuel,  242. 
Pastorius,  William,  56. 
Path  Valley,  7,  50,  65,  160. 


4IO 


INDEX. 


Patterson,  Agnes,  46. 
Alexander,  46,  308. 
Alfred  J.,  304,  82,  236. 
Andrew,  45,  46. 
Anna  C,  348. 
Archie,  247. 
A.  Granville,  350. 
Beckie,  322. 
George  M.,  294. 
Ilezekiah,  158,  324. 
Isabella  Ann.  47. 
James,  46,  47,  49,  50,  65,  196,  201,  202, 

287,  294. 
James  K.,  174. 
Jane,  46,  47. 
John,  45,  46,  175,  201. 
John  B.,  283. 

John  H.,  272,  273,  277,  27S. 
Joseph,  15S,  175,  203,  324,  316. 
J.  A.,  184. 

Mary,  46. 

Mrs.  James  K.,  174. 

Mrs.  R.  H.,  326. 

Phcebe,  47. 

Rebecca,  46. 

Rebecca  W.,  208,  209. 

Robert,  47,  158,  310. 

R.  H.,  326,  231. 

Samuel,  107,  no. 

Thomas,  147. 

William,  47. 

Zacheus,  45. 
Patterson  Church,  289. 
Pattison,  Robert  E.,  76. 
Patton,  Charles  A.,  138. 

family,  304. 

Isabella,  46. 

James,  202. 

James  S.,  46. 

John,  168,  235,  259. 

John  T.,  138. 

Joseph,  165. 

Margaret,  304. 

Mary,  304. 

Robert,  169. 

R.  W.,  182. 

Thomas,  304. 

Thomas  F.,  235,  304. 

William,  45. 


Patton,  W.  A.,  203. 
Pauling,  Charles,  307. 
Payne,  J.  B.,  143. 
Peale,  Pa.,  179. 
Pearce,  Francis,  I40. 
Josephine,  325.  . 
Pedau,  John,  56. 
Peebles,  John,   99,   102,   106,   171,  172,  216, 

217,  225,  243,  249,248,  291,  342,  343, 

302. 
Mrs.,  342. 
Peightell,  Margaret,  272. 
Pennfield  Church,  298. 
Penn  Hall,  55. 
Penn's  Creek,  250-252. 
Penn's  Valley,  7,  53,  54,  56,  57,  60,  67,  68, 

146,  250,  251,  254. 
Penn's  Valley  Church,   68,  70,  252,  261, 
Pennsylvania,    71-73,    77-79,    100-102,  129, 

148,  160,  203,  247,  260,  272,  287.  307, 

33°- 

Canal,  52,  160,  300. 

College,  169,  181. 

Railroad,  80,  81,  112,  175,  177,  195,  212, 
320. 

Synod,  116,  280,  298,  346,  350,  351. 
Penn  Van  Church,  128. 
Pennypacker,  Delilah,  208. 
Perry  County,  76. 

Perryville  Church,  202,  217,  21S,  236. 
Perryville,  Pa.,  202. 
Pershing,  C.  L.,  82. 
Persia,  331,  333.335.  338.339- 
Peru  Mills  Church,  214,  230,  231,  281,  326. 
Peru  Mills,  Pa.,  230,  231. 
Petersburg  Church,  130,  189,  227,   232,  248, 

319.  328,  342- 
Petersburg,  Pa.,  329. 
Peterson,  Jesse,  249. 

T.  C,  136,  138,  303. 
Philadelphia,  114,   159,   162,   170,   196,   197, 
223,  229,  243,  27S,  279,  287,  305,  318, 

33'-334.  337.  355- 
Presbytery,  128,  146,  151,  187,  188,  205, 

217,  258,  262,  284. 
Synod,  345. 
Phillips,  Hardman,  232. 

John,  108,  303. 
Phillipsburg  Church,  232,  324,  335,  339,  363. 


INDEX. 


411 


Phillipsburg,  Pa.,  232,  364. 
Pierce,  H.  D.,  320. 

H.  G.,  175. 

John  L.,  319. 

Lizzie,  319. 
Pike  Congregation,  142. 
Pincin,  Lyman,  208,  209. 

Maggie,  208. 
Pine  Creeli  Church,  254. 
Pine  Grove  Church,  188,  189,  234,  244,  251, 
308,  310,  337,  344. 
Mills,  234,  304,  352,  360. 
Piper,  David,  295. 

Elizabeth,  311. 

James,  242,  297,  298. 

John,  295,  296. 

Lucinda,  295. 

Margaret,  295. 

Thomas  C,  295. 
Pittsburgh  Synod,  345,  346,  350. 
Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  82,  161,  188,  346,  351. 
Plack,  George,  116. 
Pleasant  Hill  Church,  140,  325. 
Plowman,  Lavinia,  112.  ' 

Plummer,  Janet,  209. 
Plymouth  Rock,  102. 
Polk,  President,  75. 
Pollock,  A.,  175. 

James,  38. 

John,  222. 

John  T.,  208. 

Mary,  208. 

Mrs.  John,  208. 

William,  166. 

W.  J.,  311. 
Pomeroy,  James,  202. 

J.  Nevins,  310. 

S.  W.,  223,  227,  237,  249. 

W.  C,  236,  314. 
Porter,  Alexander,  205. 

Alfred,  107,  108. 

Calvin,  108. 

D.  R.,  38,  75,  79 

family,  321. 

George  B.,  107. 

John,  102,  107,  302,  320. 

J-  L-,  277.  3'6. 
Mila,  348. 
Miss,  338. 


Porter,  T.  C,  108,  302. 

William  A.,  79. 
Porter  Church,  308. 

Memorial  Band,  302. 
Port  Matilda  Church,  123. 
Port  Matilda,  Pa.,  122,  323. 
Port  Royal  Church,   50,   198,  202,   235-237, 

278,  314. 
Port  Royal,  Pa.,  334,  335,  352,  354,  357. 
Postehhwait,  Ann,  309. 

Clara,  309. 

D.  A.,  226,  309. 

Harris,  228. 

James  D.,  227. 

J-  A.  J.,  ai5. 

J.  C,  314. 
J.  M.,  309. 
L.  v.,  228,  309. 
North  A.,  227. 
Sheriff,  309. 
S.  T.,  309. 
Postlewaite,  Elizabeth  J.,  222. 
Jennie  L.,  208. 
Joseph  E.  S.,  208,  2og. 
J.  A.  J.,  222. 

J-  J-.  249- 
Potter  family,  129. 

George  L.,  129. 

James,  53-58. 

Joshua,  259. 

Joshua  T.,  259. 

Mrs.  James,  54. 

W.  W.,  78. 
Potts,  C.  J.,  322. 
Pottsville,  82. 
Powell,  J.  T.,  308. 
Pratt,  Mrs.,  348. 
Prayers,  12,  13,  15,  84,   104,   153,   171,  211, 

292. 
Presbyterian,  The,  35,  337. 

Advocate,  188. 

Banner,  34,  162,  188. 

Messenger,  176. 
Preston,  D.  A.  K.,  193. 
Prideaux,  Thomas,  305. 

T.  A.,  131. 

William  O.,  14,  123,  130,  139,  141,  145, 
165,  178,  190,  210,  212,  215,  228,  229, 
232.  239,  249,  274,  282,  319,  358. 


412 


INDEX. 


Princeton  College,  loi,   113,  136,  141,  146, 

148,  175,  180,  181,  192,  275. 
Proctor,  Mrs.  S.  A.,  347. 
Protzer,  Mr.,  300. 
Province,  Elizabeth,  291. 

Thomas,  291. 
Pry,  Patrick,  46. 
Purcell,  Isaac,  277, 

Susan,  309. 
Purdy,  James,  196,  2S7. 
Puritans,  102. 

Rabold,  David,  138. 

Gottlieb,  138. 
Raffensperger,  A.  S.,  323. 
Ralston,  Mrs.  S.,  304. 
Ramey,  Pa.,  130,  210,  352. 
Ramsay,  Mr.,  100. 

William,  48. 
Ramsey,  Archibald,  168. 

C.  N.,  323. 

John,  242. 

Lemuel,  215. 
Rankin,  Adam,  266. 

Alec,  242. 

James,  258. 

James  H.,  78. 

John,  259. 

J.  J.,  298. 

J.  M.,  228,  319. 

William,  258. 
Rasler,  Ann,  47. 

Catherine,  46. 

John,  46. 

Susanna,  46. 
Raven,  Alfred  N.,  290. 
Rayhom,  John,  178. 
Rea,  James  B.,  165. 

James  D.,  301. 

Judge,  102. 

Rev.,  51,  66,  68. 
Read,  Boss,  146. 

Frank  B.,  140,  144. 

John  A.,  146,  323. 

John  R.,  144. 

Jordan,  146. 

Miles,  144. 

Mrs.,  316. 

Thompson,  144. 


Reamer,  Mrs.  Ida,  353. 
Rearick,  George,  259. 

William,  264. 
Redlands,  Calif.,  236. 

Redstone  Presbytery,  7,  161,  163,  1S8,  285. 
Reed,  Andrew,  81. 

B.  F.,  308. 

family,  54. 

Henry  T.,  152. 

James,  69,  149. 

James,  Jr.,  70. 

John,  70,  76,  80,  149,  168.' 

John  R,  144. 

J.  Smyth,  302. 

Mary,  47. 

Mrs.  Thomas,  192. 

Peter  A.,  229. 

Robert,  322. 

Samuel,  46. 

Thomas,  151,  192. 

Wesley,  117,  119. 

William,  154,  343. 
Reedsville,  Pa.,   57,   68,   148,   153,  186,  322. 
Rees,  Rev.,  116. 
Refonned  Church,  128.  151,  155,  186,  307. 

Dutch,  70. 
Revivals,  172,  180,  iSl,  191,  199,   200,   202, 
213,  215,  217,  219,  223,  224,226-228,  257, 

291,  303- 
Revolutionary  War,  loi,  105,  148. 
Rex,  H.  D.,  131. 

Reuben  J.,  158,  159. 

William  H.,  212,  213,  314. 
Reynolds  family,  54,  321. 

John,  56. 

Mr.,  77. 

William,  56. 
Rhea,  Rev.,  200. 
Rhule,  David,  294. 
Rice,  Absalom,  215. 
Richards,  Mary,  120. 
Richardson,  Edmund,  69,  149. 
Richison,  Hugh,  242. 
Riddle,  James,  77. 

John  B.,  165. 

Judge,  72. 

Mrs.  A.  B.,  322. 

Robert,  165,  169. 

Samuel,  77,  168. 


INDEX. 


413 


Rider,  William  L.,  138. 
Risher,  Levi,  147. 
Ritchey,  Emraa,  311. 
Rittenhouse  family,  60. 
Roan  family,  100. 
Roaring  Springs,  Pa.,  27S. 
Robb,  Daniel,  179. 

Wilson,  108. 
Roberts,  Benj.  S.,  158. 

Milnor,  100. 

William,  158. 

William  IL,  232,  233. 

W.  C,  354- 
Robertsdale  Church,  237,  320. 
Robertsdale,  Pa.,  237. 
Robertson,  David,  233. 

George  W.,  151. 

William,  144,  273,  274,  277. 
Robeson,  Andrew,  138. 
Robinson  family,  100. 

George,  56. 

James,  164. 

James  L.,  247. 

Jeremiah,  246. 

Robert,  179. 

Thomas  A.,  257,  264,  326. 

Thomas  H.,  116,  347. 
Robison,  Effie,  323. 

John,  290. 

William,  30S. 
Rocky  Mountain  Presbytery,  349. 
Roedel,  H.  H.,  316. 
Roller,  George  W.,  294. 

Ida,  301. 

James,  293,  294,  300. 

Joshua,  102,  293,  300. 

Mrs.  James,  300. 

Mrs.  Joshua,  301. 
Roman  Catholics,  237,  238. 
Rosebaugh,  Isaac,  165. 
Rosenberry,  John,  306. 
Ross,  Elizabeth  E.,  208. 

James,  45,  67,  298. 

John,  45. 

J.  C,  315. 

Miss  M.  M.,  312. 

Mrs.,  339. 

Mrs.  R.,  315. 

S.  M.,  113,  119. 


Ross,  William  S.,  Ii3,~3ii. 
Rothrock,  Abraham,  192,  207,  300. 

Anna  Irene,  208. 

A.,  206. 

Catherine,  208. 

Jacob,  249. 

Mary  E.,  208. 

S.  H.,  322. 

Wealthy  E.,  20S. 
Rouse's  Psalms,  262,  265-26S. 
Roush,  William,  304. 
Route  Presbytery,  151,  186. 
Rowland,  Thomas,  295. 
Royer,  Sarah,  291. 
Ruddy,  S.  G.,  319. 
Rung,  J.  F.,  276. 
Rupert,  Clara  B.,  208. 

William  G.,  20S. 
Ruskin,  103. 
Russell,  Ellen,  316. 

Jacob  J.,  278. 

Joshua  D.,  270. 

J.  C,  115,  322. 

J.  L.,  114,  115,  119,  174,  312,  357,  359. 

Mrs.  John,  339. 

Mrs.  J.  L.,  312,  358,  359. 

Mrs.  William,  334,  335,  339,  357. 

Samuel  L.,  77. 

William,  182,  307. 
Rutherford  family,  100. 

W.  M.,  243. 
Rutledge,  Alexander,  294. 

Salem  Church,  21S. 
Sample  family,  304. 

James,  219. 

R.  F.,  277. 
Sampson,  J.  R.,  120. 
San  Anselmo,  Calif.,  250. 
Sanford,  Abraham,  70. 
San  Francisco,  Calif.,  329. 

Theological  Seminary,  267. 
Sankey,  Thomas,  56,  70,  149. 
Sansoni,  Harvey,  282. 

J.  R.,  147,  282. 
Sargent,  John  H.,  139,  178,  230,  232,  295. 
Sarlain,  Mrs.  J.  R.,  314. 
Saxton  Church,  239,  282  297,  298,  32S. 
Sayers,  Henry,  225. 


414 


INDEX. 


Saylor,  Roxanna  C,  209. 

Schell,  William  P.,  77,  322. 

Schellsburg  Church,  122,  210,  2ir,  239,  282, 

326. 
Schellsburg,  Pa.,  352. 
Schenck,  A.  V.  C,  155. 
Schum,  F.,  L.  306. 

Schuyler  W.  H.,  155,  174,  239,  29S,  339. 
ScoUon,  Richard,  233. 

Scotch-Irish  settlers,   18,  53,   60,  65,  70,   S3, 
99,  100-102,  105,  142,  147,  159,  183,  250, 
251,  300. 
Scotch  settlers,  65,  70,  99,  too,  237,  23S. 

Valley,  lio. 
Scotland,  100,  243. 
Scott,  Emma,  313. 

George  K.,  237,  239,  248. 

James,  69,  149. 

Jennie,  112. 

John,  12,  80,  82,  98,  108,  170,  273,  302. 

Mrs.  George  K.,  352. 

Samuel  J.,  233. 

William,  242. 
Scovel,  Mrs.  S.  F.,  346. 

S.  F.,  114. 
Sechler,  Emma,  315. 

Eva,  315. 

Mary  Ann,  315. 

Matilda,  222. 

Melinda,  315. 

T.  R.,  315. 
Secretary  of  Treasury,  73. 
Sedgewick,  Sarah,  46. 
Seeds,  R.  S.,  277. 
Seibert,  Adam,  281. 

Clementina,  47. 

John  P.,  141. 

William,  47. 
Sellers,  Jacob,  293. 
Settlers,  17,  l8,  43,  65,  70,83,  159,  164,  197, 

200,  287,  295,  299. 
Seven  Mountains,  66. 
Sewickly,_Pa.,  162. 
Shade  Gap  Church,  229,  237,  238,  243,  244, 

248,  281,  341. 

Shade  Gap,  Pa.,  34,  loi,  238,   240-243,  244, 

249.  309.  3'0- 

Shaeffer,  George  W.,  221,  228,  249,  315. 
Shafer,  John,  112. 


Shafer,  Mary,  1 12. 
Shaffer,  F.  W.,  195. 

James  E.,  233. 

Samuel,  129. 
Shamokin  Church,  258. 
Shand,  A.  C,  no,  311. 
Shannon,  John,  259. 
Sharer,  Evalina,  209. 
Sharp,  Samuel,  192,  300. 
Shaver,  Edgar,  319. 

James  M.,  221. 

Jane,  222. 

John,  169. 

Margaret,  45. 

Mrs.  James,  315. 

Peter,  222,  315. 
Shaver's  Creek  Church,  61,  67,  70,  loS,  16S, 

179,  189,  248,  326,  342. 
Shaver's  Creek  Valley,  60. 
Shaw,  Archibald,  142,  144. 

Harvey,  140,  239,  282,  298. 

John,  242. 

Mary,  307. 

Mary  Dorris,  360. 

Mrs.  R.  H.,  357. 

Robert,  167. 

William,  107,  180. 
Sheaffer,  Charles  E.,  209. 

Clara  E.,  209. 

Frederick  F.,  209. 
Shearer,  George  L.,  48, 

Henry  R.,  320. 

Jacob,  231. 
Sheasley,  David,  232,  320. 
Shehan,  John  C,  209. 

Mary,  209. 
Shell,  John,  241. 
Sheller,  Christian,  107. 
Shelley,  A.  W.,  236,  314. 
Shepherd,  James,  59,  60. 
Sherrard,  P.  J.,  329. 

Rev.  Thomas  J.,  198,  289. 
Shields,  Robert,  62. 
Shiloh,  321. 
•Shippcn,  Judge,  72. 
.Shippensburg,  43,  244. 
Shirk,  J.  T.,  323. 

P.  M.,  323. 

Theodore,  276,  277. 


INDEX. 


415 


Shirleysburg  Church,  220-224,  228,  229,  242, 

244,  250. 
Shirleysburg,  Pa.,  70,  159,  211. 
Shirlock,  Alexander,  45. 
Shively,  Mary,  209. 

Moses,  209. 
Shoanfelt,  James,  120,  121. 
Shoenberger  estate,  80. 
Shorter  Catechism,  63,  ill,  142,  161,  307. 
Shotwell,  Nathan,  151. 
Shoup,  Abraham,  295. 

Elizabeth,  295. 
Shryock,  L.  B.  W.,  202. 
Shulze,  Governor,  73. 
Siam,  238,  247,  331,  339. 
Sigler,  Alice,  193. 

Jacob,  192. 

Johnson,  192. 

Robert  A.,  192. 

Samuel,  192. 
Siglerville,  Pa.,  218. 
Sill,  James  A.,  174,  211. 

John,  211,  240. 
Silverthorn,  John,  45.  , 

Simcox,  F.  E.,  143. 
Simons,  Alfred,  315. 

Lucy,  222,  315,  316. 
Simpson,  H.  I.,  112. 

James,  179,  204. 

John,  169. 

John  W.,  164. 

J.  R.,  302,  170. 

Matthew,  169. 

Robert,  169. 

William,  169. 
Sinclair,  Angus,  264. 
Singapore,  154. 
Sinking  Creek  Church,  55,  57,  61,  62,  250-258, 

260,  264,  326, 
Sinking  Valley  Church,  63,  108, 125,  137,  1S9, 
193,   194,  199,  260,  261-264,  272, 
273,  283,291,362. 
Gleaners,  362. 
Six  Mile  Run,  237. 
Slab  Cabin  Branch  Church,  55,  56,  251-253, 

318. 
Slep,  Harry,  113,  312. 
Smart's  Horace,  171. 
Smeiser,  Samuel,  45. 


Smiley,  Agnes,  120. 
Ann,  120. 

F.  E.,  172. 

James  W.,  120-122,  313. 
Maggie  L.,  120. 
Robert,  120. 

Sadie,  306.  , 

Smith,  Charles,  168. 
Elizabeth,  295. 

G.  W.,  300. 
Henry  B.,  144. 

James,  189,  45,  161,  164,  214,  327. 

James  W.,  138. 

John,  45,  240,  248. 

Joseph,  165,  301. 

Letitia,  301. 

Margaret,  243. 

Mrs.  F.  A.,  354. 

Rebecca,  301. 

Richard,  301. 

Robert  W.,  165. 

Samuel,  209. 

Thomas,  72,  161,  165. 

William,  72,  169,  308. 

W.  D.,  162. 
Smyth,  David,  301. 

William,  301. 
Snakes,  59,  105. 
Snively,  A.  K.,  240. 
Snook,  Hannah,  209. 

Josiah  W.,  209. 

Mary  A.,  209. 
Snowden,  Isaac,  340. 

Snow-shoe  Church,  178,  220,  221,  317,  32S. 
Snow-shoe  City,  Pa.,  220. 
.Snyder,  Jane,  47. 

John,  47,  180. 

Keziah,  222. 
Society  of  the  Cincinnati,  loi. 
Somerset,  76. 
Sommerville,  James,  124. 

James  L.,  129,  327,  327. 

Miss,  335. 

Mr.,  294. 
South  America,  331,  333,  33S. 
South  Carolina,  102. 
South  Iowa  Synod,  144. 
Southeastern  Church,  303. 
Spear,  James,  246. 


4i6 


INDEX. 


Speddy,  W.  W.,  230. 
Speer,  Dr.,  344. 

Gordon,  242. 

James,  241. 

James  H.,  326. 

Jane,  291. 

Mar)',  202. 

Mrs.  George  P.,  306. 

Robert,  81. 

Robert  M.,  81. 

R.  E.,  302,  335. 

Thomas  P.,  i8g. 

William,  Si,  291,  293. 

William  S.,  293. 
Spence,  James,  146. 
Spencer,  John,  61. 

Spooner,  A.  W.,  115,  116,  118,  120,  175. 
Spring  Creek   Church,  42,   55-57,   122,    140, 
234,  250,  252,  253,  255-260,  270,  271,  277, 
27S,  318,  325. 
Spring  Mills  Church,  167,  252,  258,  259,  264. 
Spring  Mills,  Pa.,  54,  56. 
Spruce  Creek  Church,  61,  62,  loS,  125,  137, 
188,  189,  234,  261-269,  272.   273, 

331.  339- 
School-Hoase,  199. 
Second  Church,  266-268,  298. 
Valley,  60,  264. 
Spruce  Creek,  Pa.,  263. 
St.  Clairville  Church,  298. 

Presbytery,  115,  276. 
Stake,  Frank,  231. 
Standing  Stone,  60,  169,  171,  361. 

Church,  70. 
Starkey,  Elizabeth  47. 
M.irgaret,  47. 
Martha,  47. 
Stuart,  47. 
William,  47. 
Starrett,  Isabella,  47. 
Samuel,  47. 
Sarah,  47. 
Stale  College  Church,  251,  258,  259,  270,  271. 
College  (the),  272. 
Senate,  73,  82,  143,  247. 
S.  S.  Convention,  114,  115. 
State  College,  Pa.,  253,  258,  270,  271. 
Steele,  David,  59. 
family,  60, 


Steele,  James,  1 28,  167. 

Samuel,  169. 

William,  246. 
Steiner,  George  H.,  232,  233. 
Stephenson,  Ross,  2S5. 

Sterrett,  David,  137,  163,   194,  206,  217,  218, 
226,  243,  248,  273,  296. 

James  P.,  48,  82. 

Samuel,  192. 

William,  201. 
Steubenville  First  Church,  145. 

Presbytery,  2S9. 
Stevens,  Matthew,  23,  42,  60,  62,67,  7°.  '32, 
160,  179,  204,  248. 

Mrs.  T.  P.,  327. 

Peter,  169. 

Robert,  174. 
Stevenson,  Anna  E.,  208. 

I.  H.,  136. 

Thomas,  157,  266. 

William,  207. 

William  P.,  208,  209. 
Stewart,    Catherine  W.,  330,  334,  335,   338, 

339.  350- 
C.  E.,  321. 
David,  J07,  267,  291. 
Elizabeth,  291,  302. 
family,  100,  loi. 
George,  214. 
George  li. ,  65. 
Jacob,  108. 
James,  iSo,  291. 
Jane,  291. 
John,  45,  291,  293. 
John  A.,  165,  301. 
John  W.,  271. 
Joseph,  214. 

J.  H.,  48,  203,  236,  289,  314. 
Kate,  315. 
I,ucy,  306. 
Marg.aret,  821.  355. 
Martha  J.,  209. 
Mrs.  Hugh,  314. 
Robert,  45,  117. 
R.  Bruce,  192. 
S.  C,  136,  138,  303. 
T.  Calvin,  loS,  303. 
William,  45,  107,  142. 
W.  E.,  99,  107,  108. 


INDEX. 


417 


Stiles,  Henry  Howard,  13,  116,  364. 
Stine,  Daniel  D.,  279,  280. 

Hannah  C,  208. 

Hannah  E.,  20S. 

Maggie  B.,  209. 

North  A.,  208. 

Rebecca  C,  208. 
Stiner,  George,  107. 
Stitt,  Archibald,  242. 
Stoke,  Florence,  121. 

Joseph,  122. 
Stone,  D.  D.,  202,  310. 
Stoneroad,  Joel,  193. 

Thomas,  192. 
Stonerod,  Lewis,  230. 
Story  of  the  Token,  62. 
Stoves,  105,  246. 
Strain,  John  B.,  1S9,  190,  232. 
Strode,  Anna  E.,  209. 

Anna  M.,  209. 

Catherine,  209. 

Joseph,  180. 

Maggie  J.,  209. 
Strouse,  George  \V.,  202,  236.  ' 

Stryker,  Peter,  107. 

William,  107,  loS,  303. 
Stuart,  General,  199. 

James  H.,  151,  187 ,'283. 

James  T.,  259. 

John  W.,  270. 

William,   63,    146,   250,   252,   255,   258, 
259,  283. 
Stubbs,  Simon  T.,  215. 
Stuckey,  Richard  M.,  240. 
Study,  MoUie,  316. 
Stump,  Matthias,  231. 
Sturdy,  Charles  A.,  279. 
Sunbury,  68. 

Sunday-School,  107,  109,  112-115,  117,  119- 
122,  129,  145,  154,157,  166,  167,  170,  173, 
175-178,  179-182,  192,  201,  209,  212-214, 
219,  222-224,  228-230,  233,  234,  237,  238, 
253,  270,  277,  279,  2S0,  290,  294,  299-330, 

332,  359.  361- 
Sunderland,  Ella,  209. 
Supreme  Court,  72-75,  78,  79,  82,  loi,  288. 
Sutherland,  W.  B.,  229. 
Swan  family,  100. 
Samuel,  262, 


Swan,  William,  241,  246,  310. 
Swansey,  William,  183,  207. 
Swartz,  Matilda,  209. 
Switzerland,  99,  100. 
Swoope,  Catherine,  311. 

Peter,  169. 
Swope,  A.  W.,  212,  314,  315. 

Henry  W.,  108. 
Syria,  312,  331,  358. 

Table  of  Contents,  3. 
Tacoma,  219. 
Tague,  John,  242. 
Takens,  Fisher,  45. 
Tanner,  Hugh,  169. 
Tate,  Jennie,  304. 

Samuel  L.,  78,  155. 
Taylor,  Amanda,  315. 

Eliza,  295. 

George,  75,  80,  124. 

George  W.,  240. 

Henry,  70,  149,  151. 

I.  Newton,  224. 

James,  240. 

James  R.,  227. 

John  P.,  22,  48. 

J.  L.,  309. 

Mary  A.,  209. 

Matthew,  69,  149,  150,  241,  246. 

Mrs.  A.  E.,  242. 

Robert,  242. 

Robert  M.,  211,  240,  326. 

Samuel,  285. 

Sue,  326. 
Telfer,  Jane,  47. 
Templeton,  Alexander,  264,  306. 

Chambers  O.,  277,  278,  306,  316. 
Tennent,  W'illiam,  41. 
Thomas,  Elmer  M.,  120,  1 21. 

Evan,  259. 

G.  D.,  108. 

John  B.,  178,  317. 

J.  E.,  304. 

Mary,  304. 

Mrs.  E.  M.,  302. 

M.  Maud,  121. 

Nancy,  304. 

Sarah  C,  317. 

Selina  G.,  272. 


27 


4i8 


INDEX. 


Thomas,  Thomas,  259. 

\V.  B.,  108. 
Thompson,  Adam,  45. 

Albert,  220,  310. 

Alexander,  74. 

Anna,  314. 

Budd,  124. 

B.  F.,319. 

D.  M.,  147,  322. 

family,  324. 

Frank,  301. 

George  W.,  44,  49,   102,  153,  156,  201, 
214,  273,  292,  310,  314,  328. 

Henry,  56. 

Ira,  220. 

James,  99,  106,  355. 

John  I.,  122,  124,  259,  318. 

John  M.,  314. 

Joseph,  317. 

Moses,  122,  259,  318. 

Mrs.,  45. 

Mrs.  E.  W.,  318. 

Mrs.  Lucy,  339. 

Mrs.  L.  K.,  31S. 

Mrs.  M.  W.,  339,  359. 

Mrs.  Ner.,  352. 

M.  \V.,  114. 

Robert,  220. 

Sallie,  318. 

Samuel,  136. 

Sidney,  199. 

Sue,  322. 

S.  T.,  219,  220. 

Thomas,  54,  70,  149,  233,  324. 

William,  54,  70,  107,  149,  259,  318. 

William  F.,  140,  141. 

William  S.,  319. 
Thomson,  John,  158,  324. 
Tilghman,  Judge,  72. 
Tipton,  193,  196,  314. 
Titusville  First  Church,  114. 
Tod,  John,  73. 
Token,  62. 

Townsend,  Teler,  I92. 
Trimmer,  James  W.,  311. 
Troub,  George  B.,  232. 
Troxell,  Lizzie,  209. 

Sallie  J.,  209. 

Samuel  M.,  207,  209. 


Tucker,  Mrs.,  358. 
Turbett,  Nancy,  47. 

Thomas,  45. 
Turner,  Elias,  124. 

Joseph  B.,  116,  121. 
Tuscarora    Academy,   42,   44,   48,    201-203, 
275. 
Church,  19,  51,  66,  197,  2S7. 
Creek,  50,  63. 
Mountain,  7,  17,  42. 

Valley,  34,  42,  44,  49,  50,  65,  67,  200, 
201,  214,  235,  236,  240,  273,  2S7. 
Tussey,  David,  107. 
John,  102,  305. 
John  M.,  264,  306. 
Mary,  306. 
Samuel  C,  199. 
Tyrone  Church,  31,  lo8,  127,  131,  133,  194, 
263,  264,  272-276,  280,  316. 
Endeavorer,  2S0. 
Forges,  303,  304. 
Tyrone,   Pa.,   115,   177,    189,  193,   195,   218, 
231,  263,  266,  271,  273,  27s,  280,  329,334, 
335.  339,  357-360.  362,  364. 


Union  Church,  155,  165,  199,  232-234. 

School-House,  ill. 
Uniontown  Church,  115. 
Unionville  Church,  123,  323,  324. 
Unionville,  Pa.,  122,  123,  216. 
United  Brethren,  272, 
United  Session,  107. 
United  States,  99,  loi. 

Army,  1 84. 

Consul,  238. 

District  Co'jrt,  73. 

Navy,  163. 

Senate,  75,  81. 

Supreme  Court,  lol. 
Unity  Church,  298. 
University  of  Michigan,  136. 

of  Pennsylvania    136. 
Upper  Church,  42. 
Upper  Tuscarora  Church,  67,  214,  240-243, 

280,  28 1,  309,  326. 
Upper  Wayne,  60,  204. 
Utah,  354.  357. 
Ulely,T.  .M.,  81. 


INDEX. 


419 


Van  Artsdalen,  Garrett,  244. 

Z.,  248,  28 1. 
Vanderwender,  Peter,  169. 
Vandyke,  David,  259. 

Henry,  loS,  129. 

N.  D.,  236. 
Van  Fries,  Samuel,  259. 
Van  Kirk,  John,  46. 
Vanneman,  Mrs.,  338. 
Van  Ormer,  William,  323. 
Van  Zandt,  William,  225. 
Vaughn,  W.  R.,  240. 
Vaun,  William,  247. 
Vindication  of  Doctrines,  171. 
Virginia,  102. 
Vitto,  280,  317. 

Waddle,  William,  201. 
Waite,  A.  L.  R.,  131. 
Wakefield,  Emma  M.,  209. 

William,  207. 
Walker,  Charles  C,  354,  356. 

Emma,  313. 

J.  H.,  73,  78. 

Kate,  322. 

Mrs.  C.  E.,  342. 

Robert  J.,  73. 
Wallace,  James,  281. 

J.  Elliot,  114,  115. 

Miss  L.  G.,  112. 

Mrs.  Thomas,  357. 

Robert,  281. 

Robert  M.,  13,  84,  109,  III,  113,  152, 
153,  172,  191-I93,  197,  199,  219,  274, 
297. 

Samuel,  214. 

William  A.,  79,  144. 

W.  S.,  82. 
Wallace-  Hoge  family,  100. 
Wallace-Weir  family,  100. 
Wallen,  S.  S.,  184,  215. 
Walter,  Jacob,  179. 

Samuel,  242. 
Walton  Quarries,  153. 
Ward,  Israel,  134,  137,  266. 

Thomas,  244. 

William  E.,  233. 
Warrants,  7. 
Warrick,  Amy,  243. 


Warrick,  George,  243. 

Warrior's  Mark  Church,   42,  55,  66,  62,  68, 
■31-133.   137.  250.  254,  261,  264, 
303,  304- 
Valley,  60. 
Warrior's  Mark,  Pa.,  62,  133. 
Washabaugh,  Mr.,  211. 

Washington  and  Jefferson  College,  136,  i6l- 
163,  17s.  238. 

Church,  220. 

F  Street  Church,  163. 

Presbytery,  151. 
Washingtonian  movement,  36,  44. 
Wason,  John,  259. 
Watchman,  Mr.,  325. 

Mrs.,  325. 

William,  166. 
Waterford,  66. 
Waterloo  Church,  241. 

Presbytery,  339,  347. 
Waters,  James,  241. 

William,  246. 
Waterside  Church,  282,  298. 
Waterside,  Pa.,  282,  328. 
Watson,  John,  54. 

R.  A.,  228,  249. 
Watts,  Frederick,  76. 
Waugh,  Alexander,  164. 

Joseph,  164. 
Wayne  Church,  70,  242. 

Township,  60,  67. 
Waynesburg  Church,   179,   180,204-206,225, 

226. 
Waynesburg,  Pa.,  309,  322,  328. 
Weaver,  George,  308. 

John  F.,  144. 

J.  C,  129. 

T.  D.,317. 
Weaverling,  George  P.,  326. 
Welch,  Asbel,  318. 

A.  S.,  224. 

C.  G.,  230. 

Robert,  242. 
Wellesley  College,  136. 
Wellsboro  Presbytery,  166,  345. 
Welty,  H.  S.,  198,  199. 
Wertz,  James,  211. 
Wesley,  Joseph,  70. 
Western  Presbyterian  [The],  162. 


420 


INDEX. 


Western  Theological  Seminary.  34,  47,   113, 

X44,  199,  238,  276- 
Westfield  Westminster  Church,  114. 
West  Jersey  Presbyter)',  188. 
West  Kishacoquillas  Church,  42,  57,  68,  70, 
148,  150,  151,  179.  185-18S,  205, 
282-286,321,  351. 
neighborhood,  68. 
Westminster  Church,  287-290.  304.  305,  323, 
362. 

Church  of  New  YorI<,  277. 

Hall,  176. 

Presbytery,  189. 
Westmoreland  County,  82. 
Weston,  John,  l6g. 
West  Penn's  Valley  Church,  42,  55.  132,  137, 

250,  251,  254. 
West  Penn's  Valley,  Pa.,  60. 
West  Philadelphia,  81. 
Wharton.  Alice,  47. 

Benjamin  C,  224,  316. 

John,  45. 

Joseph,  309. 

Mrs.  S.  K.,  320. 

Priscilla,  47. 

Samuel,  46. 

S.  K.,  232,  320. 

William,  45. 
Wheatland,  Pa.,  305. 
Wheeler,  F.  T.,  145,  175,  320. 
Whipp,  Etta,  306. 
Whitall,  David,  55. 
White,  John,  137,  194. 

John  J.,  315. 

J.  W.,  310. 

Mrs.  J.  W.,  333-335- 

Mrs.  W.  P.,  354. 

N.  G.,  41,  292. 
Whitehead,  Clara  J.,  209. 
Whiteside,  William  B.,  131,  305. 
Whiteside  Run,  Pa.,  167. 
Whitmer  Land  and  Coal  Company,  175. 
Whitney,  A.  J.,  276. 
Whittaker,  John,  343. 

John  A.,  107,  108. 

Miss,  302. 

William,  108. 

William  A.,  107. 
Whittcr,  A.  J.,  316. 


Wliitrel,  Catherine,  291. 
Wiestling  family,  100. 
Wiggin,  Simonton,  100. 
Wiggins,  Thomas  II.,  311,  353. 

T.  M.,  no. 
Wigton  family,  321. 

Thomas  S.,  312. 

T.  H.,  113,  114,  119. 
Wikel,  W.  W.,  324. 
Wilder,  Mr.,  358. 

Wilhelm,  J.  C,  231,  232,  239,  282,  2y8,  326. 
Wilkesbaire,  Pa.,  75. 
Williams,  George,  128. 

George  C,  259. 

John,  43,  45,  46,  201,  202. 

Joseph,  128. 

Nancy  E.,  47. 

Robert  George,  157,  15S,  178. 

Robert  L.,  235. 

Samuel,  45. 

W.,301. 
Williams  College,  136. 
Williamsburg  Church,  61,  63,  161,  225,  262, 

290-293,  300,  328,  334. 
Williamson,  James,  189,  218,  283.  2S5. 

John,  80. 

McKnight,  34,47-49,  201,  213,  232. 

William  M.,  248. 
Williamsport,  Pa.,  347. 
Willims,  D.aniel,  239. 
Wills,  Samuel,  69,  149. 
Wilson,  Ada  Bell,  209. 

Alice,  209. 

A.  P.,  80. 

A.  S.,  67,  75,  76. 

Benjamin  F.,  229. 

Bertha  I.ayie,  209. 

Charles,  165. 

David,  102,  2^6. 

Emory,  196. 

family,  54,  'oo,  loi. 

George,  107,  24I,  247,  286. 

George  W.,  290,  304. 

Gertrude  C,  209. 

Henry  K.,  239. 

Henry  S.,  286. 

Hugh,  225,  307. 

H.  R.,  63,  64,   125,   128,    142,    146,   152, 
172,  183. 


INDEX. 


421 


Wilson,  Ida,  305. 

James,  56,  138,  264,  283,  285,  305. 

James  D.,  264. 

James  M.,  286. 

Jennie  E.,  209. 

John,  246,  283,  285,  286. 

John  C,  113,  2og,  220,  310,  311. 

John  F.,  276-279. 

John  G.,  158,  324. 

John  Henry,  248. 

John  R.,  319. 

John  W.,  286,  301. 

Joseph  M.,  140,  141,  319. 

J.  Banks,  199. 

Lydia  N.,  357. 

Mabel  I.,  209. 

Maggie,  323. 

Maria,  300. 

Mary,  209. 

Miles  Cooper,  286. 

Mr.,  62. 

Mrs.  David,  334. 

Mrs.  M.  H.,  335,  339. 

Mrs.  Robert  F.,  352,  354.     » 

Mrs.  William  P.,  343,  347,  348. 

Nancy,  307. 

Nathaniel,  207,  209. 

Nicholas,  242. 

Peter,  56,  264,  307. 

Rev.,  336. 

Robert,  242. 

Robert  Y.,  7,  14,  48,  68,   104,   130,  147, 

•52.  '53.  155.  158,  159.  167,  172.  174, 
194,  197,  201,  232,  237,  248,  264,  286. 
Rosanna,  209. 
Samuel,  56,  99,   106,  132,  156,  249,  286, 

295. 
Samuel  T.,  132,  136,  137,  152,   164,  172, 

216,  232,  234,  248. 
S.  G.,  195,  196. 
S.  T.,  329. 

Thomas,  183,  242,  246. 
Walter  .S.,  207,  209. 
William,  69,  149,  207,  242,  259. 
W.  P.,  78. 
W.  S.,  209. 
Wilson  College,  128. 
Winburne  Church,  178,  179,  294,  327. 
Winburne,  Pa.,  179. 


Winterbum  Church,  298. 
Wirt,  Anna,  209. 

David  N.,  2og. 

Emma  J.,  209. 

George  H.,  209. 

Irene  E.,  209. 

Jacob  L.,  209. 

Jacob  R.,  207,  209,  322. 

John  O.,  209. 

Mary  B.,  209. 

Phoebe  R.,  209. 

Sarah,  209. 

Thomas  H.,  209. 
Wise,  Harvey,  236. 

Uriah,  215,  236. 
Wisley,  Joseph,  149. 
Witherow,  Eleanor  E.,  209. 

John,  158. 

Noah,  324. 

Rebecca  C,  209. 

Samuel,  207. 

Samuel  H.,  158. 

William,  158. 
Wolf,  B.  F.,  313. 

J.  J.,  145,  175.  227,  228. 
Wolfe,  Paul  L.,  138. 
Wolverton,  W.  H.,  107. 
Woman's  College,  136. 

Woman's  Home  and  Foreign  Missions,  118, 
122,  129,  137,  154,  162,  174,  182,  224,  230, 
233,   234,  269,  272,   280,   290,    294,    330- 
360. 
Woman's  Work  for  Women,  332,  337. 
Wood,  D.  W.,  329. 

T.  Morris,  213,  314. 
Woodburn,  James  S.,  202. 
Woodcock,   Mrs.  S.  M.,   348,  350,  352-354, 

356,  358.  359- 

William  W.,  157,  233,  324. 
Woodland  Church,  140,  295,  328. 
Woodring,  Candace,  323. 

D.  E.,  317. 

Jacob,  124,  323. 

S.  B.,  305. 
Woods,  D.  W.,  II,  13,  64,  76,  81,  102,  153, 
182,  289,  306,  307. 

Elder,  152. 

George,  54,  235,  258. 

G.  H.,304. 


422 


INDEX. 


Woods,  James  S.,  29,  34,  180-182,  205,  217, 
225,  248,  284,  302. 

Margaret,  307. 

Mrs.  K.  M.,  304. 

Mrs.  W.  a.,  49,  338,  357. 

Robert,  45. 

Samuel,  249. 

S.  S.,  76. 

Walker,  339. 

William  S.,  248. 
Woodside,  James,  231. 

John,  2S1. 
Woodward,  G.  W.,  75,  76. 
Wooster  College,  136,  144. 
Woosler,  Ohio,  114. 
Work,  Alexander,  214. 

John,  215. 

William,  108. 
Wray,  D.  L.,  195. 
Wright,  Anna,  326. 

J.  Elliot,  116. 

Mrs.  W.  W.,  315. 

Watson  W.,  213,  315. 

W.  O.,  139,  141, 178,  184,  215,  216,  220, 
221,  229,  232,  317. 
Wrye,  John,  138. 
Wyeth  family,  100. 
Wylie,  David,  23,  42,  56,  57,  133,  255,  258. 

Samuel  B.,  243. 

S.  T.,  329. 


Wylie,  William,  259. 
W.  T.,  128,  129. 

Yale  College,  146. 
Yearick,  Thomas,  264. 
Yeater,  James,  229. 

William,  301. 
Yeates,  Judge,  72. 

Yellow  Creek  Church,  282,  295-298,  328,  355. 
Yeomans,  Alfred,  127,  128,  215. 

Edward,  127. 
York,  Pa.,  201. 
York  town,  102. 
Young,  Anthony,  179. 

S.  W.,  199,  200,  263,  264. 
William,  69,  149. 
Young  Ladies'   Missionary  Society,  118,   122, 

1S2,  224,  290. 
Youngnian,  B.  C,  144. 

D.  C,  308. 
Y.  P.  S.  C.  E.,  116,  118,  121,  122,  129,  137, 
145,  154,  167,  174-177,  179,  182,  209,  224, 
228,  230,  233,  237,  270,  272,  280,  290,  294, 
332,  358,  362-364. 

Zahnizer,  George  W.,  102,  172,  297. 
Zeigler,  Squire,  242. 
Zellery,  Jacob,  301. 
Ziglar,  Lucinda,  209. 
Zurich,  99. 


THE   END. 


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